All Resources

Children & Family

Therapist-recommended books, games, parenting tools, and activities to help children build emotional intelligence, confidence, resilience, and healthy family relationships.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links below are Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend resources we genuinely believe in.

Best Overall Parenting Book

The Whole-Brain Child

Parents of children ages 2–12Emotional regulationChild developmentEveryday parenting

Why We Recommend It

This bestselling parenting book explains how children's brains develop and offers practical strategies for responding to challenging behaviors while strengthening connection and emotional regulation.

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Therapist Tip: One of the best parenting books we recommend because it helps parents understand why children behave the way they do — not just how to respond.

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Best Parenting Book

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk

CommunicationDisciplineParent-child relationships

Why We Recommend It

Filled with practical examples, this classic teaches parents how to communicate effectively, validate emotions, and encourage cooperation while reducing power struggles.

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Best for Big Behaviors

The Explosive Child

Emotional dysregulationADHDAutismOppositional behaviorsFrequent meltdowns

Why We Recommend It

Dr. Greene's Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) model helps parents understand that children do well when they can. The book provides practical tools for identifying unmet skills and solving problems together.

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Best Positive Parenting Book

Raising Good Humans

Positive disciplineMindful parentingReducing yellingFamily connection

Why We Recommend It

Helps parents respond more thoughtfully during stressful moments while creating a calmer home environment.

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Best Children's Book

The Invisible String

Separation anxietyDivorceMilitary familiesGriefStarting school

Why We Recommend It

This beautifully illustrated story reminds children that love connects us even when we're apart. It's a favorite among therapists, teachers, and parents because it opens the door to meaningful conversations about separation, loss, and connection.

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Therapist Office Favorite

A Little SPOT of Emotion Box Set

Ages 3–10Emotional awarenessSocial-emotional learning

Why We Recommend It

Children learn to recognize, label, and talk about emotions using engaging characters and age-appropriate stories. This series is excellent for building emotional vocabulary at home and in the classroom.

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Emotional Learning

Feelings Flash Cards

Emotional vocabularyTherapyClassroom use

Why We Recommend It

Helping children name their emotions is one of the first steps toward learning healthy emotional regulation.

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Family Games

TableTopics Family Edition

Dinner conversationsFamily game nightBuilding connection

Why We Recommend It

Conversation starter cards encourage meaningful discussions that help families strengthen relationships and better understand one another.

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Family Games

The Ungame – Family Edition

Ages 5+Family communicationCounseling activities

Why We Recommend It

A non-competitive game that encourages listening, sharing, empathy, and meaningful conversations among family members.

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Calm-Down Tools

Hoberman Breathing Sphere

AnxietyBig emotionsEmotional regulation

Why We Recommend It

This visual breathing tool helps children practice slow, controlled breathing in a way that's engaging and easy to understand.

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Calm-Down Tools

Stress Ball

FidgetingAnxietySelf-regulation

Why We Recommend It

Provides calming sensory input and gives children something safe to squeeze during stressful moments.

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Calm-Down Tools

Visual Timer (Time Timer)

HomeworkMorning routinesChoresTransitions

Why We Recommend It

Young children often struggle to understand the passage of time. A visual timer reduces frustration by making time easier to "see."

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Want personalized guidance?

These resources work best alongside professional support. Reach out to schedule an appointment with Dr. Walsh.

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