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NurtureShock  By  cover art

NurtureShock

By: Po Bronson, Ashley Merryman
Narrated by: Po Bronson
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Editorial reviews

Starting with the introduction, in a loving, but firm voice, journalist and author Po Bronson delivers the bad news to parents: everything you know about parenting is wrong.

Bronson and collaborator Ashley Merryman willingly indict themselves, along with all of American society, in that collective "you", as they confront again and again our abundant misconceptions about parenting and the nature of children, when exploring the newest research findings in the science of child development.

Bronson and Merryman do not debate the existence of a biological imperative to nurture. in fact, they wholeheartedly accept that all parents possess the innate instinct to "nurture and protect" their kids, and even report that current research supports the location of this impulse in the brain with physical evidence. instead, the book, and its title, are meant to invoke the shock most new parents experience when they open up their bundles of joy, eager to get started and realize the manual is missing.

As a guilty participant in many of the contemporary parenting practices referred to in the book, it was a pleasure to receive my verbal spanking in Bronson's nebbish and neighborly tone, rather than the authoritative and detached voice of yet another social scientist detailing the 10 new ways i'm failing as a mother.

Perhaps because he himself admits to being "father knows less", rather than best, i was better able to withstand his slaughter of a wide range of our current parenting sacred cows, such as:

  • kids are positively powered by praise (then why do so many run out of self-esteem?)
  • too much TV makes children fat (actually, it's too-little sleep), but at least today's gentle programming is making them less aggressive (wrong, again!)
  • and my child is color-blind when it comes to race (blind maybe, but not deaf or dumb)

Bronson's steady and measured narration moves the serious subject matter along nicely and creates an atmosphere of inclusion and intimacy for the reader not easily achieved with nonfiction. We can share his sincere surprise, evident in his voice, when confronted with the many 360-degree reversals in thinking that the latest research demands.

i do wish Ms. Merryman had shared in the narration of the book, if only for a glimpse into her personal feelings on each topic. But it's easy to believe their assertion that they were moved to change their own parenting and teaching practices inspired by their findings. i've already made subtle changes in dealing with my seven-year old based on Chapter 4, "Why Kids Lie", with remarkable success. Lisa Duggan

Publisher's summary

Audie Award, Personal Development, 2010

In a world of modern, involved, caring parents, why are so many kids aggressive and cruel? Where is intelligence hidden in the brain, and why does that matter? Why do cross-racial friendships decrease in schools that are more integrated? If 98% of kids think lying is morally wrong, then why do 98% of kids lie? What's the single most important thing that helps infants learn language?

NurtureShock is a groundbreaking collaboration between award-winning science journalists Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman. They argue that when it comes to children, we've mistaken good intentions for good ideas. With impeccable storytelling and razor-sharp analysis, they demonstrate that many of modern society's strategies for nurturing children are in fact backfiring - because key twists in the science have been overlooked.

Nothing like a parenting manual, the authors' work is an insightful exploration of themes and issues that transcend children's (and adults') lives.

©2009 Po Bronson (P)2009 Hachette

Critic reviews

"A provocative collection of essays popularizing recent research that challenges conventional wisdom about raising children...[Bronson and Merryman] ably explore a range of subjects of interest to parents... Their findings are often surprising." ( Kirkus)

What listeners say about NurtureShock

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insightful

a deep, thought provoking analysis of parenting. I loved the insights discovered in various studies throughout the book. As a mother of a 2 year old, I feel more confident and empowered to try on a few new techniques to foster a healthy learning environment.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Parents, a Must Read

Great information that will actually work. Therapy is expensive, this book provides common sense parenting.

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Great book to clarify some routine beliefs

It's worth taking the time for this book for any parent who cares how his kids will shape the society.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

data rich and enlightening

The book is chalk full data and has a stress on "scientific" confirmation of theories. If your into into the details you will love this book...AKA Outliers or Freakanomics. If lots of data and info bores you the book may be a challenge. I loved it and am reading/listening a 2nd time!

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Insightful

As a new parent, I found this book brings new prospective on parenting. Although my daughter is only 6 months old now, I am sure I will listen this book again to ensure I am not fall in some "traditional thinking". Po has been successful to translate the research results in layman terms. I am not a native English speaker, but I find this is an easy listen book. The narrative by Po is very good that I enjoy the listening very much.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

All parents should read this book

This book is required reading for parents. I was doing a lot wrong. I am so glad to have read this book while my children are young enough to benefit from my correction. My wife completely agrees as well. Kind, well-meaning parents may create many counter-productive incentives for their children without the knowledge and insight afforded in this easy to read book. Please excuse the embarrassingly crass introduction and skip right to chapter one. Everything but the introduction is excellent.

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great practical tips - scientifically backed! #ftw

none of these old wives tales or myths. real useful stuff right here! have made lists of things I can begin to practice TODAY!!!

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Useful information

I found the information in this book is very valuable as a parent. The chapter that discusses infant language acquisition was particularly useful to me since I have a seven month old baby.

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  • 10-25-17

excellent book!!!

loved this book, devoured it! would recommend to any and all parents. helped me gain a new frame of reference regarding my child.

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Loved it!!!

I think every parent could benefit from this book!!! Insightful and has changed some of the ways I will parent.

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