By Stephen C. Schultz
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted our daily lives, leading to widespread challenges such as stay-at-home orders, school closures, economic downturns, and increased unemployment. These events have taken a considerable emotional toll on many individuals.
Approximately 25% of adults worldwide experienced increased anxiety and depression during the first year of the pandemic. In the United States, about 14.4% of adults perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected their mental health "quite a bit or a lot," and about half (49.7%) perceived at least some negative effect. Many also reported difficulties with sleeping, eating, and increased use of alcohol.
I have spoken with parents who are still struggling with the associated issues of working from home or not working at all, along with their children being out of school and trying to be educated online.
To assist families, I have compiled a list of books and resources. While there are many options available, these selections have been particularly appreciated by the parents we work with. I hope you find this recommended reading list helpful. Enjoy!
Recommended Reading List
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I Don’t Have to Make Everything All Better by Joy and Gary Lundberg
Shedding the no-win role of "fixer" and empowering people to solve their own problems through validation. Improve relationships with your partner, children, colleagues, and friends. -
Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception by Thom Hartmann
New theories about ADD, including the latest research and surprising information on studies that link second-hand smoke to disruptive behavior, among other things. -
Principle-Centered Leadership by Stephen R. Covey
A long-term, inside-out approach to developing people and organizations. Learn how to increase quality and productivity and gain a new appreciation for the importance of building personal and professional relationships to enjoy a more balanced, rewarding, and effective life. -
Leadership and Self-Deception by The Arbinger Institute
Through a relatable story about a man facing challenges on the job and in his family, the authors expose the fascinating ways we can blind ourselves to our true motivations and unintentionally sabotage our own success and happiness. -
The DBT Workbook for Overcoming Depression by Thomas Marra
Step-by-step exercises, techniques, and worksheets to identify painful inner conflicts that might underlie depression and anxiety symptoms. Provides a powerful set of tools for managing co-occurring depression and anxiety. -
Don’t Let Emotions Run Your Life (DBT) by Scott E. Spradlin
A workbook designed to help you reduce the impact of painful emotions and enhance positive ones, allowing you to manage life's stresses and achieve emotional balance. -
How to Really Love Your Child by Ross Campbell
Dr. D. Ross Campbell reveals the emotional needs of a child and provides parents with skills and techniques to help their child feel truly loved and accepted. Covers topics such as physical touch, discipline, affirmation, and spiritual nurture. -
When I Say No, I Feel Guilty by Manuel J. Smith
New techniques for asserting yourself without guilt and effectively getting your own way. -
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
Concrete techniques to turn passivity into assertiveness. Dr. Susan Jeffers teaches you how to stop negative thinking patterns and retrain your mind to think more positively. -
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
A straightforward guide to understanding codependency, charting a path to freedom, healing, hope, and happiness. -
The Ultimate Gift by Jim Stovall (Fiction)
What would you do to inherit a million dollars? Would you be willing to change your life? This book explores these questions in a tale of hard work and self-realization. -
Stop Walking on Eggshells (Borderline Personality) by Paul Mason
Helps readers understand borderline personality disorder (BPD), set boundaries, and assist loved ones in moving away from destructive behaviors. The fully revised edition includes the latest research and practical coping strategies. -
I Hate You, Don’t Leave Me by Kreisman and Straus
Professional advice for understanding and coping with borderline personality disorder. -
The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine
Identifies toxic cultural influences and well-intentioned but misguided parenting practices that hinder a child's healthy self-development. -
Twenty Things Adopted Kids Wish Their Adoptive Parents Knew by Sherrie Eldridge
Reveals the twenty complex emotional issues adoptive parents must understand to nurture the child they love. -
Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control by Forbes and Post
Explores the effects of trauma on the body and mind and how trauma alters children's behavioral responses. -
The Knight in Rusty Armor by Robert Fisher (Fiction)
A knight searches for a way to remove the armor that has become stuck on him, only to discover the true qualities of knighthood. -
Parenting with Love and Logic by Cline and Faye
A parenting guide that teaches how to raise self-confident, motivated children who are prepared for the real world. Learn how to parent effectively while fostering responsibility and character development in children. -
Parenting Teens with Love and Logic: Preparing Teens for Responsible Adulthood by Cline and Faye
Empowers parents with skills to set limits, teach important life lessons, and encourage decision-making in teenagers. -
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child by John Gottman
A guide to teaching children how to understand and regulate their emotions. -
The Lost Art of Listening by Michael P. Nichols
Examples, easy-to-learn techniques, and practical exercises to become a better listener, making yourself heard and understood, even in difficult situations. -
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold S. Kushner
A thoughtful contemplation of the doubts and fears that arise when tragedy strikes, offering clear thinking and consolation during times of sorrow. -
Why Marriages Succeed or Fail and How You Can Make Yours Last by John Gottman
Guides readers in determining their marriage type, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and taking specific actions to improve their relationship. -
Out of the Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction by Patrick J. Carnes
Identifies the warning signs, explains the dynamics, and describes the consequences of sexual addiction and dependency. Helps both addicts and codependents recognize they are not alone and that recovery is possible. -
The Blessing of a Skinned Knee by Wendy Mogel
Applies Jewish principles to raising self-reliant, compassionate, and ethical children. -
Silent Sons by Robert J. Ackerman
Encourages men to put aside anger, find peace within themselves, and seek support from other "silent sons" to realize their full potential and become well-balanced, healthy individuals. -
Perfect Daughters by Robert J. Ackerman
Explores the issues faced by daughters of alcoholics who often take on responsibilities for others' failures, providing strategies for overcoming these challenges. -
Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict by The Arbinger Institute
Guides readers past preconceived ideas and self-justifying reactions to see the world more clearly and deal with conflict effectively. -
Letting Go of Shame by John Bradshaw
Explores the impact of shame on self-image and relationships while providing recovery strategies to move beyond it.
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