The 20 Best Books for Stay-at-Home Moms

Share this post!

I have been a stay-at-home mom for almost 2 years after the birth of my Daughter. As a new mom, it was pretty challenging to find some me-time for reading as well as make the right choice when there was a wealth of advice and lots of amazing books out there to choose from! Even though I have been a working mom since my baby started in day care years ago, I have a list of books (well their titles and authors) suggested by friends, family members, or reviewers saved on my phone… 

So whenever I have the chance to spend some time in a library or a bookstore, (besides the impulsive buying) I usually pick a great book from that list too! 😊

Reading Time as a Form of Self-Care

Before having kids, parenting can be seen as any simple task on your to-do list – or not so simple, but manageable 😅 At least I thought it could not be harder than managing some international projects with partners from various countries, timezones, whatever… Well, I have to admit, my time management skills needed to be upgraded to another level after my Little One was born 😅 

What helped me to keep my sanity was that I still tried to turn to reading whenever I found a me-time moment. A good book always meant quality time with me in the daily rush! 

Reading is also practical;

• you do not need to charge your book (I prefer real ones to e-books, but e-books are OK too, they go on almost forever with one charging);
• it is still worth picking up a book for only a few minutes, and you can continue any time (pretty useful with small children around);
• and books (with different topics of your choice, from easy read novels, or personal stories, through mental health hints, to money-related tips) provide a little escape to the busy mom from the daily routine!

Finding Time to Read as a Stay-at-Home Mother

It can be challenging for any young mother to find time for self-care among all the tasks related to the new baby and the household chores. It is not easy, and personally, I think we tend to forget the importance of the praise of stay-at-home moms for all the work they are doing while just “staying at home”.

Especially considering that finding time or some self-care just as simple as reading for an uninterrupted 10 minutes can be challenging with your own children all around 😅

But, according to my own experiences, it is not impossible!

Check out these 5 effective tips for finding time to read:

1. Create a Schedule: Develop a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for self-care, including reading. Allocate specific blocks of time when your children are occupied or napping. Having a set routine can make it easier to prioritize and incorporate reading into your day.
2. Involve the Family: Communicate with your family about the importance of self-care and reading for your well-being. Encourage your partner or older children to help with household chores or engage with the younger ones, allowing you some uninterrupted time for reading. Building a supportive environment can make it easier to find moments for yourself.
3. Prioritize and Set Boundaries: Learn to prioritize tasks and set boundaries. It’s okay to say no to additional commitments or tasks that may interfere with your designated self-care time. Identify activities that can be delegated or postponed, freeing up time for you to indulge in a good book without feeling guilty.
4. Utilize “Me-Time” Windows: Identify small pockets of “me-time” throughout the day. It could be during your morning coffee, while waiting for a meal to cook, or before bedtime. Instead of scrolling through social media or watching TV during these moments, have a book ready to read. Accumulating these short intervals can result in meaningful reading time.
5. Combine Activities: Look for opportunities to combine reading with other tasks or activities. Audiobooks are a great option for multitasking – you can listen while doing household chores, exercising, or commuting (if applicable). Alternatively, consider reading during your child’s quiet time, such as when they are engaged in independent play.

Well, the key is not necessarily to find large chunks of time but to make the most of the available moments. Self-care, including reading, is essential for mental and emotional well-being, and finding small pockets of time can contribute significantly to a fulfilling daily routine!

And now let’s dive into some great “must-read” books for stay-at-home moms!

The Best Books for Any Stay-at-Home Parent

As I like things to be organized😅, I set up 5 categories of books that I think are worth adding to your “amazing book” list!

One of my favorites is #13!

1. Parenting Strategies and Emotional Connection

1. “The 5 Love Languages of Children” by Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

• Short Summary: Understanding the love language of your child is important for a strong emotional connection. This book provides practical insights into recognizing and responding to your kids’ unique needs, fostering a loving and supportive environment at home.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Recognizing and addressing a child’s love language is crucial for stay-at-home moms seeking to deepen their emotional bond. The book offers actionable strategies to enhance communication and connection within the family, making it particularly valuable for moms nurturing their children full-time.

2. “Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids” by Kim John Payne and Lisa M. Ross

• Short Summary: In the chaos of parenting, this book serves as a guide to simplify family life. It provides strategies to create a peaceful and secure home environment, allowing stay-at-home moms to focus on what truly matters.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Stay-at-home moms often juggle various responsibilities. “Simplicity Parenting” offers a blueprint for creating a serene and nurturing environment, enabling moms to prioritize quality over quantity and fostering a calm and positive atmosphere for both children and parents.

3. “The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

• Short Summary: Understanding your child’s brain development is essential for effective parenting. This book offers practical strategies to nurture your child’s developing mind, empowering stay-at-home moms to support their children’s emotional and cognitive growth.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Moms (and primary caregivers) play a central role in their children’s early development. This book equips them with valuable insights into the science of brain development, enabling them to create a supportive environment that enhances their child’s cognitive and emotional well-being.

4. “No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind” by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson 

• Short Summary: Providing a holistic approach to discipline, this book offers strategies to nurture emotional development and strengthen the parent-child relationship.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Discipline is a crucial aspect of parenting. “No-Drama Discipline” equips moms with effective and compassionate strategies, fostering a supportive environment for their child’s emotional and cognitive growth.

5. “Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting” by John Gottman

• Short Summary: This book provides practical guidance on nurturing emotional intelligence in children, and promoting healthy relationships and communication.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Moms also play an important role in their children’s emotional development. “Raising An Emotionally Intelligent Child” equips them with actionable strategies for fostering emotional intelligence, building strong connections, and promoting positive communication within the family.

2. Self-Care, Well-Being and Personal Growth

6. “The Fringe Hours: Making Time for You” by Jessica Turner

• Short Summary: This book offers a variety of guilt-free self-care strategies for stay-at-home moms, emphasizing the importance of making time for personal well-being.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Juggling the demands of motherhood can be challenging, and “The Fringe Hours” provides practical ideas for self-care. Stay-at-home moms can find inspiration to prioritize their well-being, fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

7. “Mindful Motherhood: Practical Tools for Staying Sane During Pregnancy and Your Child’s First Year” by Cassandra Vieten

• Short Summary: Integrating mindfulness practices into motherhood, this book provides tools to navigate the challenges of pregnancy and the first year of a child’s life.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Stay-at-home moms can benefit from the mindfulness approach presented in “Mindful Motherhood.” It offers practical tools for managing stress, enhancing presence, and fostering a more grounded and calm parenting experience.

8. “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown

• Short Summary: Brené Brown explores the power of vulnerability, demonstrating how embracing it can lead to more authentic connections with both children and other parents, promoting a supportive community for moms.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Stay-at-home moms often face societal expectations and challenges. This book encourages them to embrace vulnerability, fostering a sense of authenticity and connection. It provides valuable insights into building resilient relationships and navigating the complexities of parenthood.

9. “The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life” by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

• Short Summary: This transformative book encourages a positive and open mindset for personal and professional growth.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Parents seeking personal and professional growth will find “The Art of Possibility” inspiring. It provides practical principles and strategies for unlocking new possibilities, fostering a mindset of abundance and creativity.

10. “Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert

• Short Summary: Encouraging a mindset shift toward embracing curiosity and creativity, this book inspires a more adventurous and fulfilling life.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: For stay-at-home moms seeking to reconnect with their creative side, “Big Magic” provides inspiration. It encourages them to embrace creativity, fostering a sense of wonder and exploration in their daily lives.

11. “The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown

• Short Summary: Encouraging the embrace of imperfections, this book promotes self-compassion and a wholehearted life.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Moms navigating societal expectations and personal challenges will find “The Gifts of Imperfection” empowering. It encourages authenticity, fostering self-acceptance and a deeper connection with others.

3. Routines and Organization

12. “The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform Your Life: Before 8AM” by Hal Elrod

• Short Summary: This book provides a morning routine to help moms start the day with purpose, prioritizing self-care and setting positive intentions for a fulfilling day.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: For stay-at-home moms, mornings can set the tone for the entire day. “The Miracle Morning for Moms” offers a practical guide to establishing a morning routine that prioritizes self-care, empowering moms to begin each day with intention and balance.

13. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing” by Marie Kondo

• Short Summary: Marie Kondo’s method offers practical tips to simplify living spaces, creating a serene and harmonious atmosphere.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms:  For moms who manage the household organization, “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” provides a transformative approach. It enables moms to declutter their homes, promoting a sense of order and tranquility, which can positively impact mental well-being. I tried it (not word by word), and found it a great fit that to be incorporated in our life!

14. “The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity” by Meg Meeker

• Short Summary: The book offers practical advice on maintaining balance and finding joy in the middle of the challenges of motherhood, encouraging self-reflection and positive habits.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Moms can resonate pretty well with the challenges of maintaining balance. “The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers” provides actionable strategies to cultivate joy and purpose, promoting a more fulfilling and balanced life.

4. Parenting Approaches from Different Cultures

15. “The Danish Way of Parenting: What the Happiest People in the World Know About Raising Confident, Capable Kids” by Jessica Joelle Alexander and Iben Dissing Sandahl

• Short Summary: Exploring Danish parenting philosophy, the book focuses on creating a balanced and nurturing environment for children. 
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Stay-at-home moms can draw inspiration from the Danish approach to parenting, fostering joy and confidence in their children. This book provides valuable insights into creating a positive and supportive atmosphere at home.

16. “Bringing Up Bébé: One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting” by Pamela Druckerman

• Short Summary: Exploring parenting styles from different cultures, this book delves into French parenting practices, offering practical tips for stay-at-home moms.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: “Bringing Up Bébé” provides a fresh perspective on parenting. Stay-at-home moms can get valuable insights from French parenting practices, incorporating aspects that align with their own parenting philosophy.

5. Understanding Cultural and Historical Perspectives

17. “The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan 

• Short Summary: A classic feminist work that explores the historical context of women’s roles, encouraging reflection on societal expectations. 
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: “The Feminine Mystique” offers moms a historical perspective on women’s roles. It empowers them to reflect on societal expectations and choices, fostering a sense of empowerment and validation for their roles as mothers.

18. “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman” by Gail Honeyman

• Short Summary: “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” is a heartwarming and thought-provoking novel that introduces readers to the quirky and socially awkward Eleanor Oliphant. As she navigates through her structured but solitary life, unexpected events and connections begin to unfold, leading to a journey of self-discovery and healing.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: For stay-at-home moms seeking both laughter and reflection, “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” provides a touching story filled with humor and empathy. The character of Eleanor invites readers into her unique world, offering a break from the everyday routine. This novel serves as a reminder that even in the most unexpected places, one can find connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging – elements that resonate with the multifaceted experiences of stay-at-home moms. The book’s charm lies in its ability to captivate readers with a mix of wit, compassion, and a narrative that unfolds in a way that keeps you eagerly turning the pages. It’s an excellent choice for those precious moments of escape and introspection.

19. “The Highly Sensitive Child: Helping Our Children Thrive When the World Overwhelms Them” by Elaine N. Aron

• Short Summary: Providing insights and strategies, this book is a valuable resource for parents of sensitive children, helping them understand and support their unique needs.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Stay-at-home moms raising sensitive children can find support and guidance in “The Highly Sensitive Child.” It offers insights into creating an understanding and nurturing environment tailored to the needs of sensitive children.

20. “Miserly Moms: Living Well on Less in a Tough Economy” by Jonni McCoy

• Short Summary: Geared specifically towards mothers, “Miserly Moms” offers practical advice and money-saving strategies tailored to the challenges faced by mothers managing household finances. The book covers a range of topics, including meal planning, frugal shopping, and cost-effective parenting, providing a roadmap for living well on a tight budget.
• Why Is It a Great Choice for Stay-at-Home Moms: Stay-at-home moms often grapple with the financial aspects of managing a household, and “Miserly Moms” addresses these concerns directly. It presents budget-friendly solutions and tips that cater specifically to mothers, offering insights into how to make the most of limited resources. By incorporating the advice from this book, stay-at-home moms can navigate financial challenges with confidence, ensuring a stable and fulfilling family life.

Takeaway

Reading is an amazing form of self-care that we can practice (almost) anytime and anywhere! I hope you could find some inspiration in this post and added a few great books to your “to-read” list 😊