Bookshelf

Here you’ll find a list of every book mentioned either in the Paternal Progress Newsletter or the weekly column in the Junction City Union. Every one of these books, parenting or otherwise, can help you progress toward becoming the parent—and person—you’ve always wanted to be.

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Meditations
by Marcus Aurelius

A timeless guide to resilience, wisdom, and self-discipline, Meditations offers personal reflections from the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. His thoughts on virtue, mindfulness, and emotional control remain relevant for modern parents seeking to lead with patience and strength.

Radical Acceptance
by Tara Brach

A powerful book on self-compassion, Radical Acceptance teaches how to embrace life’s imperfections and let go of guilt and anxiety. Through mindfulness and self-kindness, Brach offers parents a framework for navigating stress and self-doubt with grace.

The Daily Dad
by Ryan Holiday

From the author of The Daily Stoic, The Daily Dad provides 366 bite-sized lessons on fatherhood, drawing on Stoic philosophy, history, and modern wisdom. A perfect companion for parents looking to lead with intention and patience.

Good Inside
by Dr. Becky Kennedy

Dr. Becky Kennedy, a clinical psychologist, offers a fresh, compassionate approach to parenting. Good Inside focuses on understanding children's emotions, setting healthy boundaries, and building strong parent-child relationships without resorting to shame or punishment.

Mindful Parenting
by Kristen Race

Mindful Parenting explores how mindfulness can transform the way parents interact with their children. Race offers practical strategies for reducing stress, staying present, and fostering a calm, connected family environment.

Raising Good Humans
by Hunter Clarke-Fields

Blending mindfulness and positive parenting, Raising Good Humans provides tools to break cycles of reactivity and raise kids with emotional intelligence, kindness, and resilience. A must-read for parents seeking to be more intentional in their approach.

The Gift of Failure
by Jessica Lahey

Lahey explores the importance of letting children experience failure as a path to growth. In The Gift of Failure, she argues that stepping back and allowing kids to struggle fosters independence, confidence, and long-term success.

Unconditional Parenting
by Alfie Kohn

Challenging traditional reward-and-punishment models, Kohn advocates for a parenting style based on respect, understanding, and unconditional love. Unconditional Parenting is an eye-opener for those looking to build deeper, trust-based relationships with their children.

Outdoor Kids in an Inside World
by Steven Rinella

Rinella, a passionate outdoorsman, provides insights and practical tips on how to raise children who appreciate and engage with the natural world. Outdoor Kids in an Inside World is perfect for parents looking to counteract screen time with meaningful outdoor experiences.