Books That Every Parent of a Child Should Read

Parenting a child with ADHD is a beautiful, challenging journey — filled with unique joys, unexpected hurdles, and a lot of learning along the way. At Small Steps ADHD, we believe that knowledge is one of the most empowering tools you can have. Books can offer new strategies, fresh perspectives, and comforting reminders that you're not alone. Here are a few wonderful books we recommend for every parent navigating the ADHD journey:

Rohit Thakadiya

4/28/20252 min read

1. "The Explosive Child" by Dr. Ross Greene

This classic book teaches a compassionate, practical approach to understanding and managing challenging behaviors. Dr. Greene emphasizes that "kids do well if they can," encouraging parents to view struggles through a lens of empathy rather than discipline.

Why we love it:
It offers real-world solutions without judgment, perfect for parents who want to build better communication and reduce daily battles.

2. "Smart but Scattered" by Dr. Peg Dawson and Dr. Richard Guare

Executive function skills — like organization, time management, and emotional control — often pose challenges for kids with ADHD. Smart but Scattered provides step-by-step strategies to help kids build these critical life skills in a manageable, compassionate way.

Why we love it:
It’s practical and full of easy-to-implement ideas for home life, school, and beyond.

3. "Taking Charge of ADHD" by Dr. Russell Barkley

Widely regarded as one of the leading experts on ADHD, Dr. Barkley’s guide is research-backed, straightforward, and incredibly informative. It's ideal for parents who want a deeper understanding of the science behind ADHD along with actionable advice.

Why we love it:
It combines clear medical explanations with real-life parenting strategies in a way that feels empowering rather than overwhelming.

4. "What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew" by Dr. Sharon Saline

Based on interviews with children living with ADHD, Dr. Saline offers a powerful perspective: hearing from the kids themselves. This book focuses on fostering trust, building emotional connection, and collaborating with your child instead of controlling.

Why we love it:
It brings the child’s voice to the center of the conversation — and reminds us to listen deeply.

5. "8 Keys to Parenting Children with ADHD" by Cindy Goldrich

This book is a breath of fresh air for parents feeling burnt out or unsure. Goldrich breaks parenting down into manageable "keys," offering encouragement, mindfulness techniques, and practical advice for everyday challenges.

Why we love it:
It feels supportive, non-judgmental, and full of hope — exactly what many parents need.

Final Thoughts

Every child with ADHD is wonderfully unique, and so is every parenting journey. There's no one-size-fits-all answer — but there are lots of beautiful, encouraging resources out there. We hope these books offer you some new tools, fresh hope, and a deeper connection with your amazing child.

Remember, at Small Steps ADHD, we believe it’s not about perfection — it’s about progress, one small step at a time. 📚✨