David Allen Walsh

I received this book through the Good Reads First Reads program in exchange for an honest review -

I *loved* this book.

No, seriously, I really enjoyed it. I found it interesting, the way the author tied in all of the information about the brain and how it works and develops. So this book is so much more than just a guide to parenting. Sure, it goes into things like attention, nutrition, play, exercise, sleep (and much, much more), but it also ties these things into how they relate to the show more brain. It really fascinated me.

The author tells us the emphasis of this book is "science made practical", and I really do think that he did a wonderful job of making all of the available information about brain development and function (etc) relate-able. And it doesn't come off like a text book, it's written in a way where it keeps your attention and is easy to read.

Each chapter has a list of do's and don'ts, a parent tool kit, and finishes with asking the reader what they want to continue doing and what they want to change. Given all of the information and tools available, this book really does offer a "personal plan to parent with the brain in mind."

I love how it finishes by offering parenting basics that aren't just related to all of the information about the brain, but instead are common pieces of advice given to parents, such as relax and don't be too hard on yourself - or slow down and find balance. So his attitude doesn't come off as though he knows better about raising children then we do. In fact, he tells us :
"This book brings you up to date with brain science discoveries to aid you in the most important job of your life : raising your children. But, of course, parenting is an art, not a science. Science informs the art, but there is no book anywhere that can dictate the correct answer or strategy for the millions of decisions we make from the moment we embark on our parenting journey to the day we help our kids load up the U-Haul to strike out on their own" (page 411 of my manuscript copy)

This book is an excellent resource for any parent with children of any age, as it breaks down into the various age and development groups. He isn't lying when he tells us that "whether you're pregnant with your first child or trying to figure out why adolescents act the way they do, you'll find important information and practical advice." (page 11 of manuscript copy)

I would recommend this to any parent I know. And I know, as my child ages and his brain continues to develop, I'll continue to return to this book as a resource. :) show less

A good review of teens' behavior in light of brain development, hormones, and social changes. I'm glad the author addressed hormonal and social changes; a lot of other books just focus on the brain development. Would have liked to have seen comparisons with other cultures where some behavior we see as risky (in the U.S.) is more accepted (such as drinking). Altogether a very easy to read book with good tips for parents.

Brain studies on brain maturation and the teenager give some insights into teen behavior.

Bookcrossing: http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/8505733/