Over the years I have found these books to be genuinely helpful for the students and families I work with. Whether you are a parent trying to better understand your child’s challenges or a student navigating the transition to greater independence, these are worth your time.
Driven to Distraction (Revised): Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder
by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. & John J. Ratey, M.D.
Ned Hallowell was the keynote speaker at the conference I ran for The Northeast Association of Learning Skills Specialists, where he discussed ADHD and the brain.
Having attended several of Ned Hallowell’s seminars on ADHD, I find Driven to Distraction not only informative but also research-supported, written with care and compassion, which reassures me of its value for parents and professionals alike.
How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success
by Julie Lythcott-Haims
How to Raise an Adult is a definite recommendation for all the parents of the students I see. The book explains the term “overparenting” and offers an alternative approach to fostering a child’s independence and self-reliance. Although my children are grown, I still often refer to this book for guidance.
Smart But Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential
by Peg Dawson, Ed.D. & Richard Guare, Ph.D.
Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary Executive Skills’ Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential offers practical strategies that parents and educators can implement immediately to support children’s executive functioning skills.
Through the years, I have attended many of Peg Dawson’s seminars. I particularly like her practical approach for what parents should know about executive function and strategies to support their children.
Atomic Habits
by James Clear
This book highlights the importance of creating sustainable habits, and I often use it to help students and parents feel hopeful and empowered by making small, manageable changes in their lives.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers: RAISING CONNECTED, CAPABLE, AND COMPASSIONATE ADOLESCENT
by Lisa Damour, Ph.D.
The Emotional Life of Teenagers emphasizes the importance of understanding teenagers’ emotional highs and lows, helping parents feel more empathetic and connected as they support their teens through growth and independence.