26 Essential books, podcasts, movies and ideas for Parenting and Education
Curated resources from 4 years of deep research into parenting and education.
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Four years ago, just weeks into parenthood, I found myself staring at my newborn, gripped by a single, relentless question: How do I not screw this up?
That question lit a fire in me. As usually happens when I face a challenge, I dove headfirst into reading, watching, listening, and researching obsessively. I went deep down the rabbit hole of parenting, child development, and education—not out of fear, but from a genuine desire to understand what truly helps children thrive. Not just academically, but emotionally, socially, and as whole human beings.
What follows is not a random list. It’s the absolute best of what I’ve discovered after countless hours of exploration. These are the books, podcasts, essays, and videos that have reshaped how I think, how I parent, and how I view learning and education.
🎧 Must-Watch Videos and Podcasts
Dr. Becky with Shane Parrish (The Knowledge Project)
What it’s about: Emotions, boundaries, and conflict—explored through the lens of parenting and everyday relationships.
Why I recommend it: Two of my favorite thinkers in one conversation. This episode will shift how you relate not just to your kids, but to everyone.
👉 Listen here
Dr. Dan Siegel on Teenage Brain Development
What it’s about: Why teens behave the way they do—and how we’ve misunderstood them for decades.
Why I recommend it: A pioneer in child psychology, Siegel reframes adolescence with empathy and science.
👉 Watch here
Jonathan Haidt on Social Media and Kids
What it’s about: How social media is affecting mental health—and what parents can do.
Why I recommend it: A must-watch for any parent navigating the digital age.
👉 Watch here
Matt Bateman on Montessori Education
What it’s about: A clear, compelling introduction to Montessori principles.
Why I recommend it: Practical, grounded, and deeply insightful—especially if you're Montessori-curious.
👉 Watch here
Paul Tough on What Makes Kids Succeed
What it’s about: The traits that lead to lifelong success—and why it’s not about grades.
Why I recommend it: A brilliant companion to his book How Children Succeed.
👉 Watch here
Naval Ravikant, Tim Ferriss & Aaroon Stupple on Raising Sovereign Children
What it’s about: Philosophical reflections on autonomy, rules, and child agency.
Why I recommend it: Some ideas are extreme but they’ll definitely make you think.
👉 Listen here
Hannah Frankman & Chrisman Frank on Homeschooling and the Future of Education
What it’s about: Homeschooling, self-directed learning, AI, and beyond.
Why I recommend it: A future-forward look at what learning can become.
👉 Watch here
📚 Essential Reading List
Being one of the first in my circle to become a parent, I often get asked for book recommendations. These are the ones that truly made a difference:
The Absorbent Mind by Maria Montessori
What it’s about: How children learn from 0–6.
Why I recommend it: It reshaped how I see early childhood development and independence.
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
What it’s about: Nurturing emotional intelligence using neuroscience.
Why I recommend it: Actionable, science-based, and deeply human.
Positive Discipline by Jane Nelsen
What it’s about: Building respectful, long-term discipline strategies.
Why I recommend it: It shifted my mindset completely—discipline through empathy.
The Montessori Toddler by Simone Davies
What it’s about: Everyday Montessori strategies for raising toddlers.
Why I recommend it: Practical and empowering—small changes, big results.
Thrivers by Michele Borba
What it’s about: Why some kids flourish while others struggle.
Why I recommend it: Focuses on character over achievement—hugely valuable.
How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
What it’s about: Transforming communication with your child.
Why I recommend it: Truly works like magic. Game-changing for connection.
Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff
What it’s about: Parenting wisdom from Indigenous cultures.
Why I recommend it: A refreshing reminder of how naturally capable children are.
📝 Thought-Provoking Essays
These essays deeply shifted how I think about parenting, education, and what actually prepares kids for life:
“School Is Not Enough” by Simon Sarris
What it’s about: Why parenting—not schooling—is the core of education.
👉 Read essay
“How do I teach these Kids?!” by Packy McCormick
What it’s about: How learning is evolving and why traditional school can’t keep up.
👉 Read essay
“Why We Stopped Making Einsteins” by Erik Hoel
What it’s about: The loss of genius through standardization.
👉 Read essay
“Childhoods of Exceptional People” by Philip Karlsson
What it’s about: The unique conditions that shaped extraordinary lives.
👉 Read essay
“How Children Learn to Read and Write” by @_samantha_joy
What it’s about: Montessori-based literacy development.
👉 Read thread
“Knowledge as a Foundation for Creativity” by Matt Bateman
What it’s about: Why depth of knowledge matters for real creativity.
👉 Read essay
🎬 Bonus: Must-Watch Movies
A few films that left a lasting impact on how I think about parenting, childhood, and education:
Captain Fantastic (2016)
A powerful meditation on alternative education, values-driven parenting, and raising children to think for themselves.
The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (2023)
A true story of progressive, child-centered education in politically turbulent 1930s Spain.
Dead Poets Society (1989)
An unforgettable story of mentorship, courage, and the life-changing power of a great teacher.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
A quirky, heartfelt journey about imperfection, individuality, and redefining success.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor? (2018)
A beautiful portrait of Fred Rogers and the emotional depth of children.
Inside Out (2015)
A Pixar masterpiece that helps both kids and adults understand emotions in a fun, profound way.
🤝 Let’s Build This Together
I want this list to keep growing.
If you’ve read, watched, or listened to something that changed how you see parenting or education, send it my way. Simply reply to this email or comment the post. I’d love to check it out and possibly include it in the next edition.
Let’s build the ultimate resource together.
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