You are going to walk away from this blog post knowing the perfect books for stay at home moms. This extensive list has the best of the best on parenting, self-improvement, home management, and Christian living. Each book has been carefully selected with the goal of helping you to become the best woman and mother you can be.
Discloser Note:
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Self-Improvement Books For Stay At Home Moms
The life of a stay-at-home mom is about more than household chores, changing diapers, and making dinner. While those do come with the typical daily routine of a busy mom the real work comes in raising well-rounded and healthy children that will grow into mature adults.
A great way for stay-at-home mothers to embrace this leadership role is with the best books filled with practical tips to guide her growth, her mental health, her personal development, and a wealth of advice to help her become the best version of herself.
Quality self-help books filled with practical advice rather than unrealistic expectations are the best way to for stay-at-home parents to nurture their own self-care and be better equip for them as they shepherd and guide their own children.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones By James Clear
A great book that teaches you practical ideas for implementing new habits in your life. Learning new habits is important for everything from time management to child discipline to weight loss. I highly recommend this great read.
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life By Henry Cloud & John Townsend
From the publisher:
“Boundaries, a New York Times bestseller, will give you the tools you need to learn to say yes and know how to say no. Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend are here to share the lessons they’ve learned in their years of practicing psychology and studying the patterns and practices that support clear biblical boundaries. Since it was first published, Boundaries has supported millions of people around the world as they discover the importance of understanding their limitations and upholding their boundaries.”
Desperate: Hope for the Mom Who Needs to Breathe By Sally Clarkson & Sarah Mae
This is such an amazing book and one that I have come back to again and again. I would recommend this book to new moms and experienced moms alike. It’s just such a truly good book.
From the publisher:
“Desperate is for those who love their children to the depths of their souls but who have also curled up under their covers, fighting back tears, and begging God for help. It’s for those who have ever wondered what happened to all their ideals for what having children would be like. For those who have ever felt like all the “experts” have clearly never had a child like theirs. For those who have prayed for a mentor. For those who ever felt lost and alone in motherhood.”
You’re Not Enough (And That’s Okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self-Love By Allie Beth Stuckey
I first came across Allie Beth Stuckey on social media and later found her podcast. If you have ever fallen trap to the comparison struggle from scrolling the internet or found yourself deep in the self-love movement then this will be a very encouraging book for you.
From the publisher:
“This book isn’t about battling your not-enoughness; it’s about embracing it. Allie Beth Stuckey, a Christian, conservative new mom, found herself at the dead end of self-love, and she wants to help you combat the false teachings and self-destructive mindsets that got her there. In this book, she uncovers the myths popularized by our self-obsessed culture, reveals where they manifest in politics and the church, and dismantles them with biblical truth and practical wisdom.”
Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison By Heather Holleman
From the publisher:
“As Christians find themselves trapped in the rhetoric of platform, influence, retweets, and fame, they need a ladder out of the fray. Many of us live in a prison of self-absorption. Shackled with pride and despair, we compare ourselves to others constantly in our frantic, unending pursuit of perfection. Seated with Christ gets to the root of this behavior and charts a path to freedom.”
Forget “Having It All”: How America Messed Up Motherhood–and How to Fix It By Amy Westervelt
From a working mom who was determined to better understand the history of motherhood in America. I find this to be a very interesting book as I am a bit of a history nerd. While at times I did feel as though the author had a bit a tunnel vision I think that overall she makes a lot of very good points.
From the publisher:
“A clear-eyed look at the history of American ideas about motherhood, how those ideas have impacted all women (whether they have kids or not), and how to fix the inequality that exists as a result. After filing a story only two hours after giving birth, and then getting straight back to full-time work the next morning, journalist Amy Westervelt had a revelation: America might claim to revere motherhood, but it treats women who have children like crap. From inadequate maternity leave to gender-based double standards, emotional labor to the “motherhood penalty” wage gap, racist devaluing of some mothers and overvaluing of others, and our tendency to consider women’s value only in terms of their reproductive capacity, Westervelt became determined to understand how we got here and how the promise of “having it all” ever even became a thing when it was so far from reality for American women.”
The Good Girl’s Guide to Great Sex: Creating a Marriage That’s Both Holy and Hot By Sheila Wray Gregoire
Being a mother and a Christian does not mean you cannot or should not have a spectacular sex life. Intimacy is such an important part of marriage and it can be easy for sex to take a backseat in a mom’s life.
From the publisher:
“Bring greater satisfaction to your relationship in every way–emotionally, spiritually, and physically–whether you’re preparing for your honeymoon or are empty nesters looking for a new spark.”
Metabolism Makeover: Ditch the Diet, Train Your Brain, Drop the Weight for Good By Megan Hansen
Say goodbye to serial dieting! Seriously, what would it mean for your life if you never had to go on a diet again? What would life look like if you need again were beating yourself up for eating that cupcake or drinking the fancy coffee? If that resonates with you then run, don’t walk, to buy this book.
From the publisher:
“We’ve been taught by the diet industry that the key to weight-loss success is eating less and exercising more. Both research and experience have proven this theory wrong. Yet we continue to count calories, eliminate carbs, track macronutrients, and cut out entire food groups because the only thing scarier than failing at another diet is trusting ourselves enough not to be on one at all. It’s time to ditch the diet and learn how our bodies actually work. In Metabolism Makeover, registered dietitian nutritionist Megan Hansen strips away the complexity and confusion surrounding dieting and replaces them with a simple framework”
The Psychology of Winning By Dr. Dennis Waitley
A short book that will not take a lot of time to finish but this book is a powerhouse. Recommended by successful business owners and professionals in a wide array of fields. Stay at home moms who want to grow and improve in their personal development will find they made the right choice by choosing this book.
Parenting & Child Development Books For Stay At Home Moms
This list of books focuses more on child care and different ways to approach raising children and nurturing their development. Paying special attention to a mother’s genuine love combined with effective tips on family life from experts such as family therapists, doctors, and other professionals.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind By Daniel Siegel
From the publisher:
“NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The authors of No-Drama Discipline and The Yes Brain explain the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures in this pioneering, practical book.
In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain—and make accessible—the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth.”
Hands Free Mama: A Guide to Putting Down the Phone, Burning the To-Do List, and Letting Go of Perfection to Grasp What Really Matters! By Rachel Macy Stafford
From the publisher:
“If technology is the new addiction, then multitasking is the new marching order. We check our email while cooking dinner, send a text while bathing the kids, and spend more time looking into electronic screens than into the eyes of our loved ones. With our never-ending to-do lists and jam-packed schedules, it’s no wonder we’re distracted. But this isn’t the way it has to be. Special education teacher, New York Times bestselling author, and mother Rachel Macy Stafford says enough is enough. Tired of losing track of what matters most in life, Rachel began practicing simple strategies that enabled her to momentarily let go of largely meaningless distractions and engage in meaningful soul-to-soul connections. Finding balance doesn’t mean giving up all technology forever. And it doesn’t mean forgoing our jobs and responsibilities. What it does mean is seizing the little moments that life offers us to engage in real and meaningful interaction.”
Read-Aloud Handbook: Eighth Edition By Jim Trelease
From the publisher:
“Recommended by “Dear Abby” upon its first publication in 1982, millions of parents and educators have turned to Jim Trelease’s beloved classic for more than three decades to help countless children become avid readers through awakening their imaginations and improving their language skills. Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook, updated and revised by education specialist Cyndi Giorgis, discusses the benefits, the rewards, and the importance of reading aloud to children of a new generation. Supported by delightful anecdotes as well as the latest research, an updated treasury of book recommendations curated with an eye for diversity, Jim Trelease’s Read-Aloud Handbook offers proven techniques and strategies for helping children of all backgrounds and abilities discover the pleasures of reading and setting them on the road to becoming lifelong readers.”
Let Them Be Kids: Adventure, Boredom, Innocence, and Other Gifts Children Need By Jessica Smartt
From the publisher:
“A former English teacher and homeschooling mother of three, Jessica Smartt felt the weight of helping prepare her kids for life, seeking to raise her children with a sense of adventure, self-confidence, manners, faith, and the ability to use technology wisely. Let Them Be Kids is Jessica’s offering of grace and confidence to moms, providing practical ideas to meet the challenge of raising children. Part story, part guidebook, every chapter includes doable parenting strategies and encouragement for the journey, equipping moms with ways to provide a safe, healthy, Christ-centered upbringing for our children.”
8 Great Smarts: Discover and Nurture Your Child’s Intelligences By Kathy Koch PhD
From the publisher:
“Smart is a power word. Children who believe they’re smart excel more in school and approach life with greater confidence. But children who don’t can struggle to apply themselves. Do you wish your child could see how smart he or she is?”
Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches By Rachel Jankovic
From the publisher:
“In this book, Rachel Jankovic, mother of seven, offers practical advice on how to persevere in the high but demanding call of motherhood. This is not a tender reminiscence from someone who had children so long ago that she only remembers the sweet parts. This is a small collection of thoughts on mothering young children for when you are motivated, for when you are discouraged, for the times when discipline seems fruitless, and for when you are just plain old tired. The opportunities for growth abound here but you have to be willing. You have to open your heart to the tumble. As you deal with your children, deal with yourself always and first. This is what it looks like, and feels like, to walk as a mother with God.”
Memory-Making Mom: Building Traditions That Breathe Life Into Your Home By Jessica Smartt
From the publisher:
“What’s the solution to gaining the balanced, meaningful life you desire with your family? Create traditions that bring joy and significance! Popular “Smartter Each Day” blogger and mom of three, Jessica Smartt explains why memory-making is the puzzle piece that today’s families are longing for.”
The Enchanted Hour: The Miraculous Power of Reading Aloud in the Age of Distraction By Meghan Cox Gurdon
From the publisher:
“A miraculous alchemy occurs when one person reads to another, transforming the simple stuff of a book, a voice, and a bit of time into complex and powerful fuel for the heart, brain, and imagination. Grounded in the latest neuroscience and behavioral research, and drawing widely from literature, The Enchanted Hour explains the dazzling cognitive and social-emotional benefits that await children, whatever their class, nationality or family background. But it’s not just about bedtime stories for little kids: Reading aloud consoles, uplifts and invigorates at every age, deepening the intellectual lives and emotional well-being of teenagers and adults, too.”
Free-Range Kids: How Parents and Teachers Can Let Go and Let Grow By Lenore Skenazy
From the publisher:
“In the newly revised and expanded Second Edition of Free-Range Kids, New York columnist-turned-movement leader Lenore Skenazy delivers a compelling and entertaining look at how we got so worried about everything our kids do, see, eat, read, wear, watch and lick — and how to bid a whole lot of that anxiety goodbye. With real-world examples, advice, and a gimlet-eyed look at the way our culture forces fear down our throats, Skenazy describes how parents and educators can step back so kids step up. Positive change is faster, easier and a lot more fun than you’d believe. This is the book that has helped millions of American parents feel brave and optimistic again – and the same goes for their kids.”
Speech Therapy for Toddlers: Develop Early Communication Skills with 137 GAMES designed by a Speech and Language Therapist By Kids SLT Publications
From the publisher:
“Early and social interaction skills are essential for every child to get the best start in life. Skills like language, eye contact, and self-regulation are just some of the things your child needs in order to excel—personally and academically! Since the pandemic, both parents and teachers are becoming more concerned about children’s abilities to interact. On top of that, there are delays in referrals to specialists.
According to the Education Endowment Fountain, in September 2020, 20-25% of children starting school needed help with language skills compared with the previous year.
Are you worried that your child isn’t showing the typical social interaction skills for their age? Are you waiting for a referral and frustrated there isn’t more you can do? Is your child receiving speech and language therapy, but do you want to do more for them?”
Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids By Kim John Payne
From the publisher:
“Today’s busier, faster society is waging an undeclared war on childhood. With too much stuff, too many choices, and too little time, children can become anxious, have trouble with friends and school, or even be diagnosed with behavioral problems. Now internationally renowned family consultant Kim John Payne helps parents reclaim for their children the space and freedom that all kids need for their attention to deepen and their individuality to flourish.”
The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids By Sarah Mackenzie
From the publisher:
“The stories we read–and the conversations we have about them–help shape family traditions, create lifelong memories, and become part of our legacy. Reading aloud not only has the power to change a family–it has the power to change the world.
But we all know that connecting deeply with our families can be difficult in our busy, technology-driven society. Reading aloud is one of the best ways to be fully present with our children, even after they can read themselves, but it isn’t always easy to do.”
Home Management Books For Stay At Home Moms
Learning effective home management for everything from your daily schedule to money-related tips will make a world of difference for stay at home moms. Finding life balance between spending quality time with your family and keeping the house afloat is so much easier when you have good systems and routines in place.
The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness By Dave Ramsey
From the publisher:
“By now, you’ve heard all the nutty get-rich-quick schemes, the fiscal diet fads that leave you with a lot of kooky ideas but not a penny in your pocket. Hey, if you’re tired of the lies and sick of the false promises, take a look at this—it’s the simplest, most straightforward game plan for completely making over your money habits. And it’s based on results, not pie-in-the-sky fantasies.”
The Lifegiving Home: Creating a Place of Belonging and Becoming By Sally Clarkson
From the publisher:
“There is good news waiting for you in the pages of The Lifegiving Home. Every day of your family’s life can be as special and important to you as it already is to God. In this unique book designed to help your family enjoy and celebrate every month of the year together, you’ll discover the secrets of a life-giving home from a mother who created one and her daughter who was raised in it: popular authors Sally and Sarah Clarkson. Together they offer a rich treasure of wise advice, spiritual principles, and practical suggestions. You’ll embark on a new path to creating special memories for your children; establishing home-building and God-centered traditions; and cultivating an environment in which your family will flourish.”
Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House By Cheryl Mendelson
From the publisher:
“For the first time in nearly a century, here is an engaging and comprehensive book about housekeeping. Far from a dry how-to manual, nor a collection of odd tips and hints, a history book, or an encyclopedia compiled by a committee or an institute, Home Comforts is a readable guide for both beginners and experts of all the domestic arts. Including choosing fabrics, cleaning china, keeping the piano in tune, making a good fire, folding a fitted sheet, setting the dining room table, keeping surfaces free of germs, watering plants, removing stains—this guide covers everything that modern people might want to do for themselves in their homes.”
You Can Stay Home with Your Kids!: 100 Tips, Tricks, and Ways to Make It Work on a Budget By Erin Odom
From the publisher:
“From the moment you discovered you were going to be a mom, you envisioned spending each day with your kids, guiding, teaching, and loving them. But diapers, wipes, shoes, and braces are expensive! Though it may feel impossible to manage on one income, Erin Odom is here to show you that, through God’s grace, staying at home with your kids isn’t just doable; it’s doable while living the good life. Your kids are young only once—you don’t have to miss out just because money is tight.”
Do Less: A Revolutionary Approach to Time and Energy Management for Ambitious Women By Kate Northrup
From the publisher:
“The addiction to busyness and the obsession with always trying to do more leads women, especially working mothers, to feel like they’re always failing their families, their careers, their spouses, and themselves. This book will give women the permission and tools to change the way they approach their lives and allow them to embrace living in tune with the cyclical nature of the feminine, cutting out the extraneous busyness from their lives so they have more satisfaction and joy, and letting themselves be more often instead of doing all the time.”
A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living By Emily Ley
From the publisher:
“Do you want to simplify the demands on your time, energy, and resources? Do you have complicated responsibilities, overwhelming to-do lists, and endless clutter leaving you feeling overwhelmed? What if you could clear the clutter once and for all? Bestselling author and entrepreneur Emily Ley can help you make space for what matters most.“
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World By Admiral William H. McRaven
From the publisher:
“On May 17, 2014, Admiral William H. McRaven addressed the graduating class of the University of Texas at Austin on their Commencement day. Taking inspiration from the university’s slogan, “What starts here changes the world,” he shared the ten principles he learned during Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his training and long Naval career, but also throughout his life; and he explained how anyone can use these basic lessons to change themselves-and the world-for the better.”
Christian Living Books For Stay At Home Moms
The most amazing book that any mother can read to guide her journey of motherhood is, of course, the Bible. These books are a great read to help you expand your understanding of scripture as well as how to apply it to your life.
The One Year Praying through the Bible for Your Kids: A Daily Devotional for Parents with 365 Scripture Readings, Reflections, and Prayer Prompts By Nancy Guthrie
From the publisher:
“As parents we strategize and agonize. We wish for secret formulas and surefire methods. But somewhere along the way, we discover that what our kids need most is for God to do in their lives what only He can do. This beautiful deluxe edition of The One Year Praying through the Bible for Your Kids is designed to provide you with a daily dose of parenting perspective and hope.”
Mama Bear Apologetics: Empowering Your Kids to Challenge Cultural Lies By Heather Morgan Ferrer
From the publisher:
“The problem with lies is they don’t often sound like lies. They seem harmless, and even sound right. So what’s a Mama Bear to do when her kids seem to be absorbing the culture’s lies uncritically?
Mama Bear Apologetics™ is the book you’ve been looking for. This mom-to-mom guide will equip you to teach your kids how to form their own biblical beliefs about what is true and what is false. Through transparent life stories and clear, practical applications—including prayer strategies—this band of Mama Bears offers you tools to train yourself, so you can turn around and train your kids.”
The Excellent Wife: A Biblical Perspective By Martha Peace
From the publisher:
“Here is a scripturally based blueprint for the woman who really wants to be the wife God intended her to be. This book is based on Proverbs 31:10: An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.Thousands of women have already discovered the worth of this volume and testify to lives and marriages changed because of a commitment to the principles presented here. If this is a commitment you have made, or want to make, The Excellent Wife answers the difficult questions facing you today.”
The Screwtape Letters By C.S. Lewis
From the publisher:
“The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis is a classic masterpiece of religious satire that entertains readers with its sly and ironic portrayal of human life and foibles from the vantage point of Screwtape, a highly placed assistant to “Our Father Below.” At once wildly comic, deadly serious, and strikingly original, C.S. Lewis’s The Screwtape Letters is the most engaging account of temptation—and triumph over it—ever written. “
God’s High Calling For Women By John MacArthur
From the publisher:
“Women are not inferior to men—so why does the church sometimes treat women as less capable or valued than men? Women are told to be bold, assertive, independent, and competitive. They are expected to take leadership, exert authority, be bread-winners, and to single-handedly tackle all of life’s demands. God’s high calling for women in the church—a topic still relevant for today—is outlined in 1 Timothy 2:9-15. If followed, His plan results in blessing, unity, and glory for God. In God’s High Calling for Women, Dr. John MacArthur discusses important concerns for women in the church as outlined by the apostle Paul: their attitude, appearance, testimony, design and contribution.”
He’s Where the Joy Is – Bible Study Book: Getting to Know the Captivating God of the Trinity By Tara-Leigh Cobble
From the publisher:
“Join Tara-Leigh Cobble in this 7-session study as she breaks down the intimidating doctrine of the Trinity. You’ll discover a beautiful, foundational view of our Triune God that will transform how you relate to Him. Understanding God’s three-in-oneness and each of the Persons of God individually—Father, Son, and Spirit—will lead you to deeper intimacy with God and greater joy in knowing Him!”
The Apostles’ Creed: Discovering Authentic Christianity in an Age of Counterfeits By R. Albert Mohler Jr.
From the publisher:
“The Apostles’ Creed has shaped and guided Christian faith for almost two thousand years. Shared by Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions, it is perhaps the most compelling statement of Christian doctrine the world has ever known. But do we know what it really means—and how it applies to us today?”
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