Family learning…

Books every parent should read.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Dr. Viktor Frankl (1946)

Reviving Ophelia : Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls (1994)
Mary Pipher, Ph.D
I keep a copy beside to dog-ear, mark up, and remember. Absolutely essential reading for all fathers, mothers…and anyone who cares and wants to try and understand the unique challenges that adolescent girls face. If I could choose any non-fiction book for an author to update, in the spirit of changing technology and culture, I would choose this. In spite of its publication date, its content still is vital, informative, terrifying, and…inspiring, to realize that we can involve ourselves in beneficial and supportive ways.

The School of Life : An Emotional Education (2019)
Alain de Botton
A beautiful, wonderful crash course on emotional education that is as essential to life growth as any academic or creative pursuit. Highly recommend.

Every parent should read these with their kids 😊

The Better Tree Fort by Jessica Scott Kerrin, pictures Qin Leng (2018). A boy asks his dad to build a tree fort. They do it together. But then the neighbor boy’s dad hires out a team to build one that has everything…Struggling with envy, jealousy, or challenges relating to what other people do for their kids and the feeling of coming up short? Read.

Big Ideas for Curious Minds: An Introduction to Philosophy by The School of Life Press (2018)
The same people behind The School of Life (see above). A wonderful introduction to a selection of philosophers that takes a specific idea, provides some examples and background, and then - most importantly - provides a relevant context. Sample chapters include What Is Normal Isn’t Normal (with Albert Camus), Weakness of Strength (with Ralph Waldo Emerson), and What’s Fair (with Adam Smith). Fantastic addition to the family library.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff: Simple Ways to Keep the Little Things From Taking Over Your Life by Richard Carlson, PH.D (1997)
Why this? It’s such an easy one to make fun of, and the level of platitude contained in the title feels like it’s right up there with life is a box of chocolate and grass is greener phrases people toss around. Thing is though, it’s really good. Very short, simple thoughts and reminders on being a better person to yourself, to those around, and on continual growth. Sample chapters include Let Others Have the Glory, Praise and Blame Are All the Same, Don’t Interrupt Others or Finish Their Sentences, and Do Something Nice for Someone Else-and Don’t Tell Anyone About It. Highly recommend.

Rupert Can Dance by Jules Pfeiffer (2014)
Why this? Because it illustrates one of the most foundational principles of parenting or teaching: setting aside your knowledge, experience, and ego in order to let someone else lead and teach. Simple and whimsical, yet profound and deeply important.

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf (1936)
Why this? The way it depicts a protagonist who finds joy in solitude and contentment in being himself, as opposed to fulfilling the destiny others think he should be pursuing.

This Beautiful Day - Richard Jackson, illustrated by Suzy Lee (2017)
Because you can create and discover joy in any kind of weather - and a day can be beautiful if you choose to frame it that way. Beautiful idea, beautiful illustrations of playing together.

Other ones that are pretty good

My Mixed Emotions: Help Your Kids Handle Their Feelings by Elinor Greenwood (2018)
The title covers it well.

Kids Camp! Activities for the Backyard or Wilderness by Laurie Carlson and Judith Dammel (1995). Timeless, simple activities, crafts, and excursions for making memories outside.

Urban Wild; 52 Ways to Find Wilderness on Your Doorstep by Helen Rook (2022). UK writer breaks down a 12-month outline of ideas for exploring, thinking, and experiencing the outdoors year-round.

Wild Things and Castles in the Sky: A guide to choosing the best books for children. Edited by Leslie Bustard, Carey Bustard, Thea Rosenburg (2021). With a Christian slant; I don't connect with some of the essays and perspectives…but I do with others. Some good writing, some good resources.