Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive

By: Peter M. Vishton, The Great Courses

Narrated by: Peter M. Vishton

Length: 12 hrs and 47 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Definitely worth a listen if you have kids.

Really great info, I am looking forward to applying these with my child. I just finished it, but will listen to again.

This is why we have Mommy Wars

What made the experience of listening to Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive the most enjoyable?

The lecture style was nice. The lecturer was clear and animated, thoughtfully presenting his points in a consistent, methodical manner that made sense to the listener.

What did you learn from Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive that you would use in your daily life?

After listening to his discussion on Montessori learning, my husband and I gave deep thought about putting our daughter in Montessori school when she is old enough, and decided it was the best thing for her, and as far as what the lectures discussed, it was the biggest "bang for our buck" so to speak.

Any additional comments?

If you took each and every one of his suggestions, you (or your kids) wouldn't have time to do much else. A martial art, an instrument, a foreign language, a team sport, Montessori school... I think it's important to take everything with a grain of salt, and parent a little from the heart... and don't overwhelm your kid! Otherwise, it's a great lecture I'll listen to again and again as my daughter grows up.

Science!

If you could sum up Scientific Secrets for Raising Kids Who Thrive in three words, what would they be?

Scientifically proven techniques

Any additional comments?

With all the information and advice on parenting out there, it was nice to find a compilation of scientifically studied techniques. Not mere anecdotes or unsupported ideas, he lays out what is shown to work and what is shown to not work at giving your child the best advantage to succeed.

I love this book

The content is educational and useful for both small and bigger kids. The lecturer's voice is nice and engaging. Highly recommended.

Lots of good info, but not very engaging

These lectures are exactly as described: a summary of currently-supported ways to help your child grow, assuming of course they are “typically developing” (as is the label now, I hear... groan!). The lectures are pretty dry even at 2x speed. The presenters voice is fine but the content itself just isn’t very engaging. That’s not knocking the content though. There’s lots of good suggestions in here. I’ve breezed through many other lecture series and really struggled with this one.

Very informative

Helpful information that was clearly explained and put together in an engaging way. It would have been great to have more information on adolescents.

Wish I had this as a new Mom

I wish I had this as a new Mom. It would have helped me to be less stress and handle parenting struggles with more information. This is also helpful for me as a social worker to reinforce the kinds of evidenced based parenting psychoeducation that I oftentimes use. Would be perfect as a baby shower gift.

good summary to try to become a great parent

this year taught me a lot but not just about Parenting, but child development and even how to deal with immature adults. it has opened my eyes to a lot of basics

great insight into child behavior

great info, probably 3 or 4 great practices to help with understanding and guiding your kids

Amazing!

Such a great listen.
Takes the pressure off being a parent!
Share this around. First class!