10 Best Parenting Audiobooks

As many parents know all too well, there’s no official guide on how to raise your child. From all the ways you can show love and affection to the more difficult acts of helping them grow through discipline, each kid—and each family—is unique in what they need. A one-size-fits all approach doesn’t exist, which is why finding the advice and resources that best speak to you are so important. With our list of 10 best parenting audiobooks, we’ve pooled together the top resources on parenting for all different styles and families. Perfect for parents who are looking for a wide breadth of advice, our curated list includes topics on finding your child’s love language, giving children autonomy, and what kids have to teach us.

Bringing Up Bébé

One American Mother Discovers the Wisdom of French Parenting

By: Pamela Druckerman

Narrated by: Abby Craden

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Release date: 02-07-12

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 6,039 ratings

When former journalist for The Wall Street Journal Pamela Druckerman had a child in Paris, she didn’t set out to spend her parenting years analyzing the differences between American and French parents. However, after noticing a few stark contrasts in the parents and children in both countries, she couldn’t help but take note that French children seemed far more autonomous than their peers across the Atlantic. In Bringing Up Bébe, Druckerman–whose words are voiced by video game actress Abby Craden–documents these differences, drawing conclusions that Americans can use to fine-tune their own style of parenting. Whether or not you’re looking to make a change, this audiobook’s warm, charming assessment of the universal parenting experience is one that is bound to land close to home.
How Not to F*ck Up Your Kids Too Bad

By: Stephen Marche

Narrated by: Stephen Marche

Length: 5 hrs and 4 mins

Release date: 05-31-18

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 372 ratings

Until recently, most parenting advice was aimed at mothers but rarely have they been targeted at fathers. In How Not to F*ck Up Your Kids Too Bad, Stephen Marche speaks directly to fathers, narrating his work to help the message fully stick. This Audible exclusive takes on a more comedic, to-the-point tone but doesn’t avoid touching on more serious topics. From how to discipline your kids to how to navigate the tricky topic of screen time, Marche talks directly and unflinchingly about what fathers—and all parents—can do to be better parents. But though the author’s style is direct, he avoids giving overly general quick fixes. His honest approach highlights the work and rewards that come with simple things like making more eye contact every day, and it’s all the more clear his passion for parenting as he dives into each topic.
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids

How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting

By: Laura Markham

Narrated by: Xe Sands

Length: 6 hrs and 58 mins

Release date: 03-25-13

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,890 ratings

Even if you tend to avoid yelling at your children—or anyone, for that matter—Dr. Laura Markham presents the research behind the benefits of emotional connection with your children to inspire real-life, long-term change. Like many works on this list, Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids isn’t just about the kids, it’s about parents understanding and processing their own emotions as well. Markham focuses specifically on the fact that, when parents channel their own emotional connections with their kids, they no longer need to rely on bribes, threats, or guilt-trips to help persuade their children. Xe Sands’ warm but crisp voice only enhances this listening experience, so that applying the tools Markham shares from years of research feels doable as soon as you’ve finished a listening session.
The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting

Raising Children with Courage, Compassion, and Connection

By: Brené Brown

Narrated by: Brené Brown

Length: 2 hrs and 6 mins

Release date: 06-26-13

Language: English

5 out of 5 stars 7,580 ratings

Brené Brown has spent 12 years researching emotions like shame, vulnerability, and courage. In her latest work, The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting, she brings that research to parenting with 10 key pillars to focus on. With so many parents focused on 'being perfect,' Brown focuses on the dangers of this thought process and how it can lead parents to feel like they’re inadequate. Brown has already published inspirational work on a host of other topics, and her insights on parenting are no less impactful. She brings her unmatched talent for motivational speaking to her narration which, mixed with the personal nature of her experience as a mother, make this audio incredibly easy to connect with. Plus, at just over two hours long, you’ll be able to take in all the wisdom Brown has to share during naptime or after the kids have gone to bed.
How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen

A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7

By: Joanna Faber, Julie King

Narrated by: Heather Alicia Simms, Michele Pawk, Candace Thaxton, January LaVoy, Rebekkah Ross, Gibson Frazier, Molly Pope

Length: 10 hrs and 8 mins

Release date: 01-10-17

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 3,211 ratings

For several decades, parents have turned to How to Talk So Kids Will Listen to help deal with the challenges of raising kids. Now, the daughter of the author of the original work, Joanna Faber, and Julie King, a parent educator with over two decades of experience, target helping kids ages two through seven in their newest edition. This practical work offers both actionable advice and narrative examples, and the cast of narrators keeps the piece entertaining with comedic anecdotes. Many parenting and self development works use a few narrators, but few employ as many as How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen. With so many different voices sharing the stage, the stories and advice are accessible in a way that’s fresh, relatable, and exciting each time.
The Conscious Parent

Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children

By: Dr. Shefali Tsabary

Narrated by: Dr. Shefali Tsabary

Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins

Release date: 12-03-14

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 2,201 ratings

Dr. Shefali Tsabary’s perspective on parenting in The Conscious Parent focuses not just on kids, but parents themselves. She emphasizes how children are 'mirrors' of their parents, so that in order to develop relationships the parent must look at both themselves and their child. As Tsabary narrates her own work, she is able to level with parents, letting them know that while these changes may not happen overnight, they’re worth it for both parties. Her soothing tone will ease any fears parents may have, and make it easy to tackle the subject of being a better parent.
The 5 Love Languages of Children

The Secret to Loving Children Effectively

By: Gary Chapman, Ross Campbell

Narrated by: Chris Fabry

Length: 5 hrs and 48 mins

Release date: 12-27-15

Language: English

5 out of 5 stars 3,253 ratings

Love languages may be familiar to many who are married or in a relationship—but what about for children? In Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell’s work, The 5 Love Languages of Children, they turn the focus to parenting and children, helping both new parents and those with grandchildren how to show their children they love them. This simple and easy-to-follow advice is narrated by Chris Fabry, who delivers Chapman and Campbell’s findings in a way that makes speaking to each child’s needs feel approachable and manageable. Knowing whether your child prefers to hear the words 'I love you' or would rather spend one-on-one time with you is key to making them feel loved and appreciated, and in this quick listen you’ll be able to speak your child’s language in no time.
The Self-Driven Child

The Science and Sense of Giving Your Kids More Control over Their Lives

By: Ned Johnson, William Stixrud PhD

Narrated by: Kaleo Griffith

Length: 11 hrs and 35 mins

Release date: 02-13-18

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 1,441 ratings

It’s no surprise that many kids these days are raised with the pressure to perform. But after Ned Johnson, who runs PrepMatters, a program that helps kids perform better on standardized tests, and Dr. William Stixrud, a clinical neuropsychologist, began to notice these pressures, they put their heads together to analyze the brain science of pressure and self-control. In their work, The Self-Driven Child, the two look at the latest discoveries in behavioral science to help motivate children to be self-driven and interested in their studies. Kaleo Griffith, the narrator, affirms this core messaging that places an emphasis on positive parenting, reflecting that positive tone as he shares lifelong lessons. With so many topics to cover, from screen time to anxiety and ADHD, the narrator makes the well-researched findings of Johnson and Stixrud easy to digest and immediately apply to real life.
The Explosive Child

A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children

By: Dr. Ross W. Greene

Narrated by: Dr. Ross W. Greene

Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins

Release date: 04-30-12

Language: English

4.5 out of 5 stars 2,906 ratings

In The Explosive Child, Dr. Ross W. Greene, who has experience working with thousands of children with uncommon behaviors, shares a critical finding about these children—more often than not, these kids lack the ability to be flexible and problem solve. It’s not the fault of the parent or that the child is seeking attention, but simply that some have more challenging behaviors that may need to be handled with different parenting styles. Though Greene’s work is fastidiously well-researched and scientific, his method of sharing it is much more friendly and anecdotal. As a result, his audiobook feels like sharing stories with a compassionate, more experienced friend. Greene’s empathy is prevalent throughout and parents with even the most chaotic schedules will find actionable advice in this concise, to-the-point listen.

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