7 Interesting Self-Help Books that Really Change You

Self-help books are the cheapest form of therapy for me. It’s a great way to learn new skills, change things we don’t like, or simply understand why we do things. There are so many amazing and interesting self-help books out there that can change our perspective on different topics; especially when it comes to breaking the cycle many of us were a part of growing up.

I majored in psychology in college and became obsessed with reading interesting self-help books ever since. However, these 7 books are my biggest recommendations (so far) to really help parents, teachers, grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Stack of pink books on a table. Pinterest image for the blog post 7 Interesting Self-Books to Change You.

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How Am I Doing? 40 Conversations to Have With Yourself

If you’re looking for a short but informative read, this book is perfect! Dr. Corey Yeager asks such though provoking, yet simple, questions that really make you reflect on your life choices. So, if you put in the work and really answer the questions honestly, this book will definitely benefit you.

Book cover for How Am I Doing? by Dr. Corey Yeager

How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen

Parents will love this book but teachers (or over-involved aunts) will love it too! The authors really break down how children process the things that we say. The suggestions are easy changes to our conversations but I’ve seen the benefit first hand and I will never stop using the technique I learned in this book. By simply changing the phrases we use, children can feel more in control and like their voice is being heard without simply giving them whatever they want. Get the whole series here.

Book cover for How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen

How to Stop Losing Your Shit with Your Kids

This book is another great read on how showing compassion and understanding to kids can change your relationship. Through humor and real world examples, this book shows parents, caregivers, teachers, etc., how to talk with children and stop the meltdowns.

Book cover for How to Stop Losing Your Shit With Your Kids.

The Positive Shift

I am an inherently negative person. Maybe it was my upbringing, maybe it’s just my personality. I have to work really hard to not be super negative all the time. This book really helped me see how thoughts, positive or negative, can effect our psychological and physical health. I love psychology so this book was one I couldn’t put down.

Book cover for The Positive Shift

No Drama Discipline

This was one of the most interesting self-help books I’ve read. It takes a whole-brain approach to interacting with children and it’s fascinating. This is another science-based book on how simply pausing, asking ourselves three questions, can change an interaction with a child in crisis. I’ve applied these techniques in my classroom and have seen so much progress! I highly recommend if you have children who experience big negative feelings.

Book cover for No-Drama Discipline

The Year of You

This is a different kind of book. There is on prompt for each day of the year with a different focus each month. I love that you can start in the middle of the year because the sections don’t necessarily build off of each other.

Book cover for The Year of You

The Science of Positivity

This book was written for people like me. It really breaks down how negative habits or thoughts are formed and how to rewire your brain to get rid of them. If you love the science behind the brain and how it works, this is a great read for you!

Book cover for the Positivity Shift.

If you check any of these books out, let me know what you think. Leave your favorite, interesting self-help books below!