Play. Learn. Shine.
At Bright Life Playschool, we’re dedicated to staying informed about the latest in brain science, human development, and best practices for nurturing and raising children. As we work alongside our families, we’re always exploring resources that inspire and guide us. Here are a few of our favorite books that we highly recommend for parents—insightful, engaging reads to support you on your parenting journey!
In The Whole-Brain Child, Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson present 12 strategies to support healthy brain development, helping parents raise calmer, happier children. The book explains how a child’s brain matures, highlighting why emotions often overpower logic, especially in young kids. With practical tips and illustrations, it equips parents to turn everyday challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.
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In Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne explores how today’s fast-paced, cluttered world can lead to anxiety and behavioral issues in children. He offers practical strategies to simplify home life, create calming rhythms, and reduce sensory and scheduling overload, helping kids thrive. This inspiring guide empowers parents to protect childhood’s grace and nurture individuality.
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In The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt explores the sharp rise in teen mental illness since the early 2010s, linking it to the shift from play-based to phone-based childhoods. He examines the social, neurological, and emotional impacts of this change, including addiction, social comparison, and loneliness. Haidt calls for collective action, offering practical solutions for parents, schools, and policymakers to restore healthier childhoods.
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Tracy Hogg’s Secrets of the Baby Whisperer offers parents practical tools to understand and communicate with their newborns, making early parenthood more manageable and joyful. With methods like E.A.S.Y. for structured routines and S.L.O.W. for interpreting a baby’s cues, Tracy helps parents tailor their approach to their baby’s unique temperament. Grounded in respect and empathy, the book provides solutions for common challenges, promising a happier baby and a more harmonious household.
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Baby Knows Best introduces the RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) Approach, emphasizing babies' natural abilities to grow and learn without over-involvement from parents. It teaches parents to see their infants as competent individuals, guiding them in responding to cues, fostering self-soothing, and encouraging uninterrupted play. This approach leads to more confident children and relaxed, self-assured parents.
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In Free to Learn, developmental psychologist Peter Gray argues that children thrive when allowed to direct their own learning through free play. Drawing on anthropology, psychology, and history, he shows how play helps children solve problems, build relationships, and develop emotional resilience. Gray challenges the traditional school system, proposing a bold shift toward fostering children's natural curiosity and happiness.
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Dr. Becky Kennedy, known as "Dr. Becky," is leading a parenting revolution with her approach that emphasizes connection over correction. Rejecting outdated methods like reward charts and timeouts, her philosophy addresses children's emotional needs while empowering parents to feel confident and capable. In Good Inside, Dr. Becky offers actionable strategies and insights to help parents foster self-regulation, resilience, and confidence in their kids.
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Raising Your Spirited Child, Third Edition by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka is a supportive guide for parents of children with "more"—more intensity, sensitivity, and persistence. With relatable examples and practical strategies, it helps parents manage tantrums, set boundaries, and create a positive environment. This updated edition is an essential resource for fostering understanding and connection with spirited kids.
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