Recommended Resources

*This list is a collection of resources DJ has found useful in his work with teens, couples, and families, and parents. Presence on this list does not represent any financial relationship with individuals or organizations who produce or sell products, nor does it represent any endorsement or guarantee in terms of its usefulness or fit for your unique situation.

Parenting: General

The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel J. Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD

How to Stop Wasting Your Breath When Your Child Won’t Listen by DJ Hilley, MSEd, LPC (Article based on No Drama Discipline)

Bully Nation: Why America’s Approach to Childhood Aggression is Wrong for Everyone by Susan Eva Porter, PhD

Smart but Scattered: The Revolutionary “Executive Skills” Approach to Helping Kids Reach Their Potential by Peg Dawson, EdD and Richard Guare, PhD (this has several versions: for high schoolers, find the “Teen" version)

How to Talk so Kids Will Listen & Listen so Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Parenting: TWEENS & TEENS

Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel J. Siegel, MD

How to Hug a Porcupine: Negotiating the Prickly Points of the Tween Years by Julie Ross

How to Talk so Teens Will Listen & Listen so Teens Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

Grown and Flown: How to Support Your Teen, Stay Close as a Family, and Raise Independent Adults by Lisa Heffernan and Mary Dell Harrington (see also www.grownandflown.com)

Feeding the Mouth that Bites You by Kenneth Wilgus, PhD

Looking for more? Join the Cracking the Code of Parent-Teen Relationships Workshop

Sex & Sexuality

Planned Parenthood Resources for Parents: Sex & Sexuality - a tremendous resource filled with topic-focused guidance, information, suggestions and further reading and other resources. www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/parents/sex-and-sexuality

Let’s Talk About It: The Teen’s Guide to Sex, Relationships, and Being a Human by Ericka Moen and Matthew Nolan

GSA Network - Student-run organizations that unite LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. www.gsanetwork.org

PFLAG - Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. www.pflag.org

Partner/Intimate Relationships

Developing Habits for Relationship Success by Brent J. Atkinson, PhD (only available at www.thecouplesclinic.com/books)

The Course of Love by Alain de Botton

The True Hard Work of Love and Relationships - podcast interview with Author of The Course of Love, Alain de Botton. On Being with Krista Tippett, February 9, 2017.

Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence by Esther Perel

Gottman Card Decks (App) - available in App Store for Android or Apple devices

Divorce/Separation

Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes for Your Child by Isolina Ricci, PhD

Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising a Child with an Uncooperative Ex by Julie Ross, MA, and Judy Corcoran

Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families by Marc Brown and Laurie Kransy Brown

Supplemental

These books and resources are recommended for anyone looking to improve their ability to navigate the challenges in relationships and in everyday life. Taking care of oneself is not optional when caring for others - it is central to success.


Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence by Daniel J. Siegel, MD

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff, PhD

Self-Compassion.org - website of Dr. Kristin Neff, a wonderful resource with many free online activities and exercises.

Love 2.0: Creating Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection by Barbara Fredrickson, PhD

WEB RESOURCES

Bullies to Buddies, Inc. - Created by Izzy Kalman, MS, NCSP - www.bullies2buddies.com

  • Two FREE resources here (see Resources > Free Manuals) - How to Stop Being Teased and Bullied Without Really Trying and A Revolutionary Guide to Reducing Aggression Between Children

Wheel of Awareness - Created by Daniel J. Siegel, MD - www.drdansiegel.com/wheel-of-awareness/

Apps for Mindfulness Practice - Calm or Headspace, subscription required beyond introductory sessions (10 for Headspace, 7 Days for Calm). Find them in your App Store.

Greater Good Science Center - www.ggsc.berkeley.edu

Podcast Episode on Sex & Gender - Sawbones: A Marital Tour of Misguided Medicine

  • Sawbones would probably best described as a comedy podcast, but it’s a pairing of a real physician who presents well-researched information on past and present medical areas. This particular episode is a wonderful overview of Sex and Gender for anyone.