Parent Yourself First

Raise Confident, Compassionate Kids by Becoming the Parent You Wish You'd Had

By: Bryana Kappadakunnel

Narrated by: Bryana Kappadakunnel

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.

Chicken Soup for my mommy soul

Wow! Such novel and healing approach to parenting that serves as the therapy we all need. I love that the book is divided into two parts- first introspection into our own reactions then actionable tips on how to parent in various situations. The author also has such a wonderful tone and voice making the entire listening such a pleasure. Absolutely loved this! Will listen to again and again.

A warm hug for your soul

This parenting book is more like a therapy book, a self awareness class, with insights and tools that will help your personal life and, then of course, your parenting experience. Definitely a book to read more than once, and reflect upon each chapter!

My bedside Bible

I found this at the perfect time. I couldn’t be more thankful for this book. It felt like it was written to me, for me.

A must read for parents

Great book, well done, very insightful - was worried about length which may result in redundant info/saying the same thing over and over like got it the first time. Mid way through already applying concepts and seeing improvements with my relationship with my kids. A must read for parents.