Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive

By: Peter M. Vishton, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Peter M. Vishton

Parenting advice isn't hard to find. There are thousands of books on the subject, as well as a multitude of websites. Much has also been written on the science of child development. What's been lacking, however, are sources of reliable advice that bring together the scientific research and its real-world applications.

This course bridges the divide. In 24 engaging lectures, an expert in the cognitive development of early childhood presents what scientific research has revealed about the things parents can actively do to promote children’s long-term development right from birth. Professor Vishton delivers a wealth of practical tips to help children reach their full potential intellectually, emotionally, physically, and socially. And he supports it all with findings culled from the latest scientific literature.

You’ll touch on topics across all areas of childrearing, from sleep and nutrition to behavior and academics. And you’ll get answers to many of the most common parenting questions:

• Should I sleep-train my baby by letting her “cry it out”?
• Should I let my infant, toddler, or child watch TV-and if so, how much?
• Should I allow my child to play video games?
• Should I pressure my picky eater to finish her vegetables?
• Should I spank my child when he misbehaves?

In addition to learning methods for laying an early foundation in subjects such as math and reading, you’ll gain information for boosting your children’s overall cognitive abilities-and even their IQ scores.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2014 The Great Courses; 2014 The Teaching Company, LLC

Outstanding

Did you know that whatever the mother eats during the last few months of her pregnancy becomes desirable to the baby throughout his or her life? Go veggies during that time.

You'll know all of that and more about the scientific secrets and research regarding children to make informed decisions.

Worth reading if you're a new parent, and even more recommended if you expect to be.

Cuts through the BS to what really works

As a new parent I am (sometimes impolitely) sceptical when offered advice based on people's opinions, beliefs, traditions based in times long past (I'm looking at you OB/GYNs and your fantasy "due date") or based on nothing other than their experience of raising one, two or even zero children.

It seems that the fewer children a person has dealt with, the more certain they are with their advice and the less likely that it is useful to anyone other than them. That is where this series of lectures comes in really useful. Professor Vishton nicely links the potentially dry findings of cognitive development studies with useful parenting advice and even anecdotes from his own family.

The advice is practical and clearly put and the reasoning behind it is based on properly designed studies. Obviously these are not perfect and he always cautions us to become experimenting parents ourselves and to observe our children closely.

When I do this I start to see my daughter for the amazingly complex and interesting being she already is at only three months. I can understand her better and, guided, at least in part, by this series of lectures, I hope I can help her to become a well rounded and loving person who makes the very best of her talents.

Nice balance of breadth and depth of parenting

If I were to recommend one parenting book to someone, of the many books I've read, I would recommend this one. It is great is many ways. The narrator is captivating, the listening is easy even though it is a complicated subject and the content is enriching. It covers almost all the major (scientific) parenting concepts that I have come across. While other books would focus on a specific topic, this book finds a good balance in addressing the topics in sufficient depth for a good understanding. Afterwards, on topics of interest, I would look to read more books on them.

I wish there were additional chapters to cover more topics as one book is not enough.

Good overall info

This started strong, but the second half of the book didn't do it for me. It went from scientific studies and interesting takes, to general parenting tips.

I was tempted to give 3 stars overall but I feel the first half deserves at least a 4.

Great course for parents

Excellent course for parents. I'm planning to listen to it again. It was very informative.