The child psychology It is a branch of psychology that is dedicated to the study of children and their physical, motor, cognitive, perceptual, affective and social development, both from normality and abnormality.
Therefore, deals with different topics, such as: learning, linguistic development or psychopathology characteristic of these ages, among other issues.
Child psychology, therefore, is not only of interest to psychologists, but this knowledge is also useful for parents or teachers The latter spend many hours surrounded by children, and the knowledge of how the minds of the little ones work, what is the best way to relate to them or what are the best teaching methods to apply can be really useful to them. Childhood is a stage of change and no one is born an expert on this topic. Therefore, this field of research and intervention helps to understand the mental processes and typical behavioral styles of young people.
There are many books that have compiled the knowledge that different research has provided over the years. Whether you are a psychologist, teacher or parent, in this article you will find several child psychology books that will be very useful for you
1. Love without fear of spoiling (Yolanda González)
This book by psychologist Yolanda González, an expert in attachment theory deals with many of the problems that parents encounter when raising their children.
Especially intended for mothers, it addresses topics such as pregnancy, natural childbirth, breastfeeding and the vital circumstances of the first years of life. A great work, written in a very clear and entertaining way, that provides tools for a better understanding of how we can educate our children in a better way.
2. Look at me, feel me (Cristina Cortés)
This book focuses on the topic of childhood attachment, and the way in which it affects both the mental development of children and the relational dynamics they learn when interacting with other people. In its pages, attachment is explained and described as a protective tissue in which children grow physically and psychologically. a balance between freedom and protection and always in contact with affection and love.
In its chapters we see developed in a narrative format how good attachment is formed through Eneko’s story, from her pregnancy until she reaches 7 years of age, and how psychotherapeutic intervention can help in cases in which it arises. the discomfort in this regard.
This is a very good child psychology book for those who are interested in understanding the implications that attachment has. both in daily life and in the therapeutic management of crises which, if not treated properly, can lead to disorders. On the other hand, it explains how EMDR therapy helps to correct dysfunctional elements of the type of attachment one has.
Its author, Cristina Cortés Vinegra, is a psychologist and psychotherapist, and directs the Vitaliza Psychology Center in Pamplona.
3. Manual of educational psychology: For early childhood and primary education teachers (Various authors)
This work is ideal for preschool and primary school teachers It is a theoretical-practical text, written by several authors, that provides teachers with a framework of reference in the psychology of the first years of schooling.
The text reviews different variables (cognitive, metacognitive, affective, etc.) and factors that influence learning, and provides the opportunity to learn different useful strategies for the design of teaching situations. The text revolves around a personal, social and cultural perspective.
Rosa Jové is a psychologist who has managed to write, possibly, the most practical book on this list Without a doubt, a recommendable book full of wisdom, which is written so that the reader finds it entertaining, and talks about topics such as valuing the child as an individual, respecting him, understanding his demands and accompanying him during his first stages of life.
It is a text that opens the minds of parents, and among the contents it is possible to find such interesting topics as: tantrums, jealousy or the relational styles of parents. Children are seen from a positive perspective and not as little tyrants.
5. How to talk so your children listen to you and how to listen so your children talk to you (Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish)
This work has been a true best-seller and has given a lot to talk about thanks to its great success People tend to think that we listen to others, but many times our needs tend to predominate over others.
This book helps to truly listen and not just hear, always from the parent-child relationship. In the text, the authors leave us tips and tools to facilitate the work of active listening.
6. Far from the tree: stories of parents and children who have learned to love each other (Andrew Solomon)
Without a doubt, a book different from most and impressive for its content This is an inspiring text and a true lesson for life, which touches on a topic as delicate as the relationship between parents and a disabled child.
Throughout its ten chapters, the author reviews topics such as Down syndrome, hearing deficits, autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. To write it, the author has closely followed more than 300 families with these characteristics. A beautiful book that you cannot miss.
Buy it here.
7. Children’s and youth’s emotional intelligence: Exercises to cultivate inner strength in children and young people (Linda Lantieri)
Emotional intelligence (EI) is key to our well-being, which is why this concept has become so popular in recent years. It is necessary to educate children with EI from an early age, to help them correctly manage their emotions, not to be afraid of them and to relate better to other people.
Educating emotionally in the present means a better future for our children This is a practical guide to make the task easier for parents in this regard. The book also contains an audio guide prepared by Daniel Goleman, the person who popularized this concept, and in which you can listen to and practice different beneficial exercises.
Buy it here.
8. Manual of child and adolescent clinical psychology: General disorders (Various authors)
This text is intended for clinical psychologists who want to know more about different psychopathologies that children at these ages can present. And the psychological problems of childhood and adolescence are of utmost importance, although historically they have not had great prominence.
Psychological science has made great advances in recent times regarding this matter, and in this text it is possible to find much of this knowledge. This work brings together the works of several internationally relevant researchers in this field, always from a current perspective.
Buy it here.
9. Learning to educate (Naomi Aldort)
This text is about the influence of parents on the development of their children and how these can either promote correct development or, on the contrary, represent an obstacle, for example, destroying their self-esteem.
Parents are role models and, furthermore, the most important people in the child’s life. With knowledge, it is possible to educate better and help children develop in a happy and healthy way. Here you will find the way to do it.
Buy it at this link.
11. For your own good (Alice Miller)
“For Your Own Good” is a book written by Alice Miller, a successful psychotherapist. This is a book about child abuse, a controversial issue for which few psychologists have raised their voices or delved into this topic and in the effects that these behaviors have for the children.
Children do not have the possibility of fleeing or defending themselves from these acts, and must suppress and repress their emotions and suffering, which in the future can appear in the form of strong emotional discharges. A hard book, but necessary.
Buy it here.
11. The child’s brain (Daniel J. Sieguel and Tinja Payne)
A book that, despite not being very long, is surprisingly complete. It explains many of the concepts that are necessary to master to understand the logic by which the minds of the little ones operate, and what this implies in parental care or education in general.
