By Chandra Sparks Splond

Have you ever had one of those days where you feel you are lacking as a parent?

Maybe the baby won’t stop crying and you can’t figure out why or you’re trying to have a conversation you never imagined having with your tween or you’re telling your teen she needs to stay in school, knowing you never finished your degree. Some days it would be easier if kids just came with a manual.

While aside from the Bible, there’s no specific parenting manual for me. But there are a few books that have helped me on my journey to being a great mom.

The 5 Love Languages of Children
Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell

Kids have thoughts and feelings just like adults, and any parent knows what works for one child might not necessarily work for another. The 5 Love Languages of Children is a practical guide for parents to better relate to their children in a way that has meaning to your child. There’s a chapter on how to discipline your child using his love language.

The Power of a Praying Parent
Stormie Omartian

For me, the only thing you can do better than praying for your child is helping him to establish a relationship with God and teaching him how to pray for himself and others. Whether you’ve never prayed before or you’re a prayer warrior author Stormie Omartian’s bestselling Power of Praying series offers real prayers for you to pray over and for your children.

A Mom After God’s Own Heart: 10 Ways to Love Your Children
Elizabeth George

Reading George’s books is like talking to a wise woman. A Mom After God’s Heart touches on such topics, such as taking care of your children, taking them to church and trying your best as a mom. It even includes space for you to track your personal efforts to spend quality time with God.

Believe That You Can
Jentezen Franklin

One thing I decided within a few weeks of becoming a mom was I wanted to show my daughter her dreams could come true by pursuing my own childhood dream of becoming an author.  Believe That You Can quickly became one of my go-to resources during my journey. It showed me how to write the vision for my dream, helped me realize everyone experiences doubt on their journey and that I am never too old (and my daughter is never too young) to pursue a dream.

Just in Case You Ever Wonder
Max Lucado

I started reading Just in Case You Ever Wonder to my daughter right after she was born. I remember reading this book, marveling that one day my daughter would reach an age where she was independent and no longer needed me. More than anything, the book gave me comfort. It taught me not being a perfect mom is okay. It also made me realize every day of parenting isn’t going to be perfect. What matters is that I’m present, and even on those days when I feel I’m lacking, my daughter and I are on this journey together, and I am still loving her, and she’s loving me.

That’s winning in my book.

BMWK, What books have made you a better parent?

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Of all the titles Chandra Sparks Splond has held in her 20-plus-year career, she is most proud to be called a child of God, wife and mom. Splond is a blogger, editor, speaker and award-winning author. Her novels include The Pledge, The Promise and her latest, He’s Got Game. Splond’s editing clients include several New York Times, USA Today and Essence bestselling authors. Learn more about her at her blog magiccitymomma.com.