As parents we wanted to be one of the better ones. A while back, we started with Bringing up Bébé, and since then learnt How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will Talk; we were even Prepared while Reviving Ophelia. This year, we realized, we want to just settle on being A Good Enough Parent.
Sitting with my newborn sleeping on my chest currently. I’ve really enjoyed Brain Rules for Baby and currently reading Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child. Both good, feel like the latter is going to be a pivotal part of our parenting. My wife really enjoyed The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read.
I didn't realize I might have the wrong link to the book everywhere I wrote until now (this comment thread). "A Good Enough Parent: A Book on Child-Rearing" by Bruno Bettelheim.
From Wikipedia: “ Much of his work was discredited after his death due to fraudulent academic credentials, allegations of patient abuse, accusations of plagiarism, and lack of oversight by institutions and the psychological community.”
Add it to your Wishlist on Amazon and watch it for a while. I'm pretty sure an American will resell one. I got mine used on Amazon.in after stumbling on a fine day that someone was selling it for ₹399 (~$5). So, bought it. They shipped it all the way from the USA and it took more than a month.
Checking it right now shows ₹1,388 (~$17) for the Paperback and ₹2,261 (~$28) for the Hardcover edition.
I have read many parenting books, and those listed above are the ones I believe others parents should read through. However, if you want to pick just one, you might want to settle on the Good Enough Parents. It is a fun read.
Also a fan of
Our babies ourselves - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Babies-Ourselves-Biology-Culture/...
Hunt, Gather, Parent - https://www.amazon.com/Our-Babies-Ourselves-Biology-Culture/...