Curated Resources
You can find my own writing on these topics via the Explore Tab.
For other resources, I’ve listed some of my favorite go-to’s below. You can explore this sequentially, or just jump to the topic you’re interested in. This is by no means a complete or exhaustive list, nor is it meant to be any kind of formal endorsement. Some of the resources are science-based, and some of the resources are good interpretations of applications of the science. While most of the resources are new, I’ve also included some old ones that may be forgotten but that still stand the test of time.
This is a work in progress so let me know if you have other recommendations. I will update this list periodically, so check back.
Enjoy!
General Science-based Resources on Parenting and Child Development
Online
Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences (iLABS): University of Washington video modules on science of topics in early development
Harvard Center for the Developing Child: Fact sheets on science of early development
Center for the Developing Adolescent: University of California, Los Angeles, based resource on the science of adolescence
Center for Disease Control on Parenting: Resources for parenting across childhood from prenatal advice to parenting a young adult
Developmental Milestones from the Center for Disease Control
Simms/Mann Institute Educational Videos: scientists talk about their own research on topics in child development
InfoAboutKids.org Lists of resources on children, youth, and families curated by the American Psychological Association
Effective Child Therapy: Does your child need a therapist? Explore this site that is hosted by the American Psychological Association Division on Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
Zero To Three: Science-based parenting resources to help your child have the best start in life. Covers both emotional and cognitive development. One of my absolute favorite organizations.
Child and Family Blog: Short, digestable research briefs on the latest studies in parenting and child development. Fun fact: This blog is curated from a bucolic little rural English town.
Child Mind Institute: Good articles, not science-y, but sound advice.
Greater Good Science Center: Science-based advice on “the science of a meaningful life.”
Kids in the House videos: I have mixed feelings about this site — there are some excellent science-based videos by experts, but there are other videos that are definitely not science based. Explore at your own risk.
Dan Siegel’s parenting videos - How to apply interpersonal neurobiology to parenting
Growing Child Newsletter - Costs a small fee, but gives monthly guidance as to what babies are capable of, and what is important about the relationships around them. Makes an excellent gift to new parents.
The Science of Parenting, Iowa State University
Books
Ten Basic Principles of Good Parenting, by Laurence Steinberg
Prenatal Development and Pregnancy
Online
Catherine Monk on prenatal stress — how much is too much? Explore that site for a number of her videos.
What is Epigenetics? Great site that explains epigenetics and how genes listen to the environment
Books
Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives, by Annie Murphy Paul
Baby Making For Everybody: Family Building and Fertility for LGBTQ+ and Solo Parents, by Ray Rachlin & Marea Goodman
Newborn
Online
Books
[my own forthcoming book, in preparation]
Your Baby and Child, by Penelope Leach
Understanding Newborn Behavior & Early Relationships: The Newborn Behavioral Observations (NBO) System Handbook by J. Kevin Nugent, Constance H. Keefer, Susan Minear, Lise C. Johnson, Yvette Blanchard.
the first forty days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, by Heng Ou, ith Amely Greeven & Marisa Belger
the Positive Breastfeeding Book: Everything you need to feed your baby with confidence, by Amy Brown
Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Questions, by James McKenna
Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers, by Karen Kleiman
Infancy
Online
Zero to Three: Parenting resources for the first three years of life
Janet Lansbury on Elevating Childcare: Respectful parenting of infants and young children
Books
Your Baby and Child, by Penelope Leach
The Essential First Year, by Penelope Leach
Why Is My Baby Crying? The Parent’s Survival Guide for Coping with Crying Problems and Colic, by Barry Lester and C. Grace
The Evolved Nest: Nature’s Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities, by Darcia Narvaez & G.A. Bradshaw
The Aware Baby, by Aletha J. Solter
Caring for Infants With Respect, by Magda Gerber
Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child’s Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore, by Kent Hoffman, Glen Cooper, and Bert Powell.
Toddlerhood
Online
Books
The Aware Baby, by Aletha J. Solter
No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame, by Janet Lansbury
Elevating Child Care: A Guide to Respectful Parenting by Janet Lansbury
Caring for Infants With Respect, by Magda Gerber
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind, by Dan Siegel & Tina Bryson
The Emotional Life of the Toddler, by Alicia Lieberman
Early Childhood
Books
The Importance of Being Little: What Preschoolers Really Need From Grownups, by Erika Christakis
Childhood
Online
Claudia Gold’s blog - explores important themes in raising children
Books
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting, by Laura Markham
Peaceful Parent, Happy Siblings: How to Stop the Fighting and Raise Friends for Life, by Laura Markham
Raising Kids: Your Essential Guide to Everyday Parenting, by Sheri Glucoft Wong
Early Adolescence
Online
Center on the Developing Adolescent: Research briefs on teen development
Books
Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence by Laurence Steinberg
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel Siegel
Middle School Matters: The 10 Key Skills Kids Need to Thrive in Middle School and Beyond—and How Parents Can Help, by Phyllis Fagell
Getting to Calm: Cool-headed Strategies for Parenting Tweens & Teens, by Laura Kastner & Jennifer Wyatt
Wise Minded Parenting: 7 Essentials for Raising Successful Tweens & Teens, by Laura S. Kastner
Deep Secrets: Boys’ Friendships and the Crisis of Connection, by Niobe Way
Boys and Sex, by Peggy Orenstein
Girls and Sex, by Peggy Orenstein
Adolescence
Online
Center on the Developing Adolescent: Research briefs on teen development
drlisadamour.com Follow Lisa Damour’s podcast and social media for wise insights on parenting teens
Books
Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence by Laurence Steinberg
The Emotional Life of Teenagers, by Lisa Damour
HUSH: Hooking Up and Staying Hooked: A Guide for High School Guys About Dating, Intimacy, and Relationships, by Colin Adamo, Jim Perry, & Fer Galicia
Young Adulthood
Books
Getting to Thirty: A Parent’s Guide to the 20-Something Years by Jeffrey Arnett and Elizabeth Fishel
You and Your Adult Child: How to Grow Together in Challenging Times, by Laurence Steinberg
Bullying
Online
StopBullying.gov: Find out what the laws and policies are in your state
Cyberbullying Research Center: Great tips on preventing bullying and what to do if it happens. Also lists breaking research on the topic.
Child Rights and Policy
Online
Emotional and Social Intelligence
Online
Books
Permission to Feel, by Marc Brackett
Paid Leave
Online
National Partnership for Women and Families: Know your rights about paid leave; use their resources to advocate for paid leave at your workplace
Paid Leave U. S. Excellent resources on advocating for paid leave
Harvard Business Review: Need A Good Parental Leave Policy? Here it is.
Books
All In: How Our Work-First Culture Fails Dads, Families, and Business—And How We Can Fix It Together, by Josh Levs
Parent and Caregiver Well-being
Online
Dr. Rick Hanson: Psychological tools for “greater happiness, calm, and confidence.” I love everything he says.
Childbirth Connection: Resources on maternal care for pregnant women
Books
Mother Nurture: A Mother’s Guide to Health in Body, Mind, and Intimate Relationships, by Rick Hanson, Jan Hanson, & Ricki Pollycove
When Partners Become Parents: The Big Life Change for Couples, by Carolyn Pape Cowan & Phil Cowan
The Hidden Feelings of Motherhood: Coping with Stress, Depression, and Burnout, by Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
Do Fathers Matter? What Science is Telling Us About the Parent We’ve Overlooked, by Paul Raeburn
Unconditional Love: A Guide to the Joys and Challenges of Being a Grandparent Today by Jane Isay
Sleep
Online
Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory - explore the science of safe co-sleeping by the leading expert Jim McKenna
Books
Why We Sleep, by Matthew Walker
several books by Elizabeth Pantley: The No-Cry Sleep Solution; The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Newborns; The No-Cry Sleep Solution for Toddlers and Preschoolers
The Happy Sleeper: The Science-Backed Guide to Helping Your Baby Get a Good Night’s Sleep—Newborn to School Age, by Heather Turgeon & Gulie Wright
It’s Never Too Late to Sleep Train, by Craig Canapari
Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Questions, by James J. McKenna
Stress
Online
Challenge Success: Resources to change the mindsets about achievement
Technology
Online
Technology
Online
Dr. Douglas Gentile: The nation’s leading scientific expert on the positive and negative effects of technology
Cyberbullying Research Center: How to be safe online
Books
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, by Jonathan Haidt