Parent Yourself First, Bryana Kappadakunnel
Parent Yourself First, Bryana Kappadakunnel
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Parent Yourself First
Raise Confident, Compassionate Kids by Becoming the Parent You Wish You'd Had

Author: Bryana Kappadakunnel

Narrator: Bryana Kappadakunnel

Unabridged: 10 hr 43 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Published: 01/28/2025


Synopsis

One of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2025

A fresh, no-nonsense parenting guide that shows you how to become a great parent (even if you didn’t have one yourself).

Many of us didn’t have a perfect childhood. But it’s never too late (or too early!) to transform into the parent you were always meant to be—grounded, present, intentional, compassionate, and confident. In Parent Yourself First, licensed marriage and family therapist Bryana Kappadakunnel argues that the secret to successful parenting is to UN-learn the wounded patterns you grew up with and create new ways to connect with your child. Parenting from a place of connection may feel unlike anything you experienced as a child or what you thought parenting was meant to be. But the results can be remarkable—and transformative.

As the founder of the popular Conscious Mommy community on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, Kappadakunnel explains that your upbringing is probably impacting your parenting style in ways you don’t even fully recognize, from how you manage your own emotions to how you connect with your kids in their vulnerable moments. In Parent Yourself First, she shares powerful stories from the families she’s counseled and practical tools for managing common parenting woes like tantrums and defiance. Her promise: You can break free of past patterns that no longer serve you and liberate your soul from old traumas and wounds.

Everyone has baggage. But it’s your responsibility to make sure your baggage doesn’t become your child’s problem. Healing yourself allows you to truly connect with your child; understand their needs; and guide them to live the happy, authentic life that they deserve.

About The Author

Bryana Kappadakunnel is a licensed marriage and family therapist, an infant/early childhood mental health specialist, and a perinatal mental health specialist. She has an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and is the CEO and founder of Conscious Mommy and Child Parent Connection.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Melany on June 26, 2024

Wow, this one hit home. Truly amazing and deep moments that may feel tough, but help you heal your inner child and grow to be the best you (and best parent) you can be. I love the prompts and exercises throughout each section. I also truly enjoyed how the author keeps it real with you, no sugarcoati......more

Goodreads review by Sarah on August 27, 2024

WARNING -This book might be hard to read. -This book might make you cry. -This book isn't an "easy solution" to fix all parenting problems. HOWEVER -This book will help you identify behaviors of your child's that are triggering to you and offer methods to break the cycle of any negative reactions you ha......more

Goodreads review by Amanda on July 31, 2024

Parent Yourself First is a very helpful guide that is able to succinctly capture the how and why parenting is improved when you direct your attention and efforts into self instead of insisting your children change to satisfy you. The aim of this book is to parent from a place of connection as an alt......more

Goodreads review by Kelbi on March 07, 2025

Best parenting book I’ve read (and I’ve read a lot). Specifically focused on breaking generational cycles of dysfunction, but honestly just an all around great parenting book that everyone should read. Especially appreciated her practical advice and warm tone. Loved how the book is in 3 parts: heali......more

Goodreads review by Heather on January 23, 2025

I took my sweet time reading this book, because there were so, so many amazing nuggets and plans of actions that I would find myself thinking about a section for a week or two before moving on. As a therapist who works with folks across the lifespan and the parent of 3 yr old, this book was encourag......more


Quotes

One of Library Journal’s Best Books of 2025

"Parent Yourself First is not only thought provoking and insightful, it is warm, hopeful, and practical. This book is a cycle breaker's almanac, it helps parents heal from the pain of their past and create a present and future reality that their children won't have to heal from." —Eli Harwood, author of Raising Securely Attached Kids

“So many parents are worried they’re going to repeat the mistakes their own parents made. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Wise, warm, and encouraging, Parent Yourself First shows that never too late to transform into the parent you were always meant to be.” —Dr. Michele Borba, author of Thrivers

“For everyone whose parents are examples of what NOT to do, this is the resource you’ve been looking for to learn what you, as a parent, CAN do.” —Gwenna Laithland, author of Momma Cusses

"This handy book is filled with many practical suggestions and psychological insights for parents to work through their own emotional hardships in order to best help their child through life’s challenges. It’s a critical tool and introspective for parents who want to to heal and grow from past experiences." —Library Journal (starred review)

"Parents seeking creative new ways to recognize and break free of toxic patterns from their own childhoods will find plenty of useful information here that will help them end family power struggles, navigate their children’s stress and anxiety, deal with sibling relationships, and understand common childhood behaviors like tantrums and defiance. Thoughtful, reflective, and nonjudgmental, this will be a welcome addition to all parenting collections." —Booklist

Parent Yourself First isn't just about wanting to parent differently, it's about knowing how to do it. This practical guide tackles the emotional hurdles we encounter in parenting and offers clear steps for change. It's the bridge between having good intentions and actually being equipped to show up as the parent you want to be.” —Erica Djossa, CEO & Founder of Momwell, author of Releasing the Mother Load

“For anyone looking to break free from generational trauma and truly connect with their children, Parent Yourself First is a wonderful resource. Bryana’s dedication to helping parents navigate their own healing journey so they can be fully present and attuned to their children’s needs is inspiring and essential. This book is a must-read for every parent committed to raising happy, healthy children." —Dr. Judy Ho, author of The New Rules of Attachment and Stop Self-Sabotage

“This book highlights the profound work of parenthood and makes it seem surmountable. Bryana writes in a non-judgmental way that makes us feel normal in our feelings and supports us in wanting to dig in to understand and love ourselves more. With a direct and comforting tone and practical advice, Parent Yourself First compels us to take the small steps that could have the most significant impact.” —Neha Ruch, founder of Mother Untitled and author of The Power Pause