Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five

If you are pregnant or planning a family, I thoroughly recommend this book, which accessibly presents,the latest in research concerning the development of intelligence, happiness, and good behavior in children.

If you, like me, are already the parents of a child old enough, to run, jump, count to 10, and arbitrarily meet at least half of your parental requests with an indignant "NO!", then I also thoroughly recommend this book-- with a bit of a disclaimer: brace yourself before reading. The "rules" in question amount to a pretty tall order, and he doesn't exactly mince his words about the possible effects of not following them.

The first priority of any brain, he points out, is not to learn. It is to be safe. This has been the goal of our brains since the earliest days of human evolution, and the vestiges of ancient evolutionary pressures and needs remain with us still. Stemming from this understanding, and supported by research, Dr. Medina recommends that parents place a high priority on marital harmony, empathic discipline, stress reduction during pregnancy, and avoidance of "hyperparenting".

Second, humans are deeply social creatures-- this means that we learn best by being held, spoken to often, sung to, and read to-- it also means turning off the cell phones, computers and TV, and engaging in imaginative "guided play" on a daily basis.

This is a good book, and I am compelled to apply Dr. Medina's recommendations to my own parenting practice.

I would, however, suggest two more books, for the sake of balance. The first is "Into the Minds of Babes" by Lisa Guernsey, which offers more research specifically relating to TV, and which I believe presents a more balanced view.

The second is "The Shelter of Each Other" by Mary Pipher, which offers a more holistic, anthropological perspective on many of these issues-- which considers the experience of the parents and the culture as well, and in which the "Voice of Science" is a little less... imperious.

I really enjoy listening to the author perform this book. He makes some really corny jokes, but the material is good. My main take away is that I need to play structured make-believe with my baby/kid, get him into music classes and provide consistent rewards/punishments. Not exactly groundbreaking stuff, but it doesn't hurt to hear it along with the support of lots of studies.

This book claims to be scientific but clearly exaggerates by not using studies that control for things like parents education. It very much exaggerates the effect of things like watching tv or breast feeding. These things are probably bad and good respectively but the plausible effects are 2 not 10 iq points. I also foun the performance o be over dramatic and annoying. It just wasn't as funny or dramatic as the reading.

Too dramatic and the guy always seemed mor amused than the writing deserved

This books displels the myths of what helps with baby/child development while highlighting things that parents should focus on. A must read for any new or expecting parent.

Lots of research, not just his own opinions.

He also took a longitudinal approach and incorporated research from the last 50 years, which made the data very rich.

The practicality of the way the research was written up

It's very long and has LOTS of information, so I wouldn't suggest listening to it in one sitting if you want to get the most of it.

Great read for any parent, therapist or parent educator.

This book gives you a great understand of how a babies brain may work.

The chapter about babies learning how to play and use their imagination is very good. The chapter on one on one contact with the baby and not just putting them in front of a screen is a great listen.

It is narrated and written well.

Yes and I did on a long drive on afternoon.

As a Cognitive Scientist, I consider the information in book to be based on good quality research. It is packed with information, presented in an entertaining way.

Great up to date information and it was fun listening to the author. He's funny and very enthusiastic.

I bought this for my husband during our pregnancy days when we were "dividing and conquering" the books on pregnancy and parenting. It would be an understatement to say he loved this one. I heard him quoting passages to family and friends, and lingering in the car after he pulled into the driveway. He wants to gift this book to all his parent-to-be friends and is keeping his set of CDs in the car for future re-listening.
What he liked most was how much hard science goes into the recommendations in this book. And I have to agree that this sets this book apart from many other parenting books out there.
Really a great purchase and one you'll find informing your parenting decisions right from the start (there's good info starting from being good parents during pregnancy through later years). Easily digestible with nuggets you'll be drawing on for years to come.

Author Medina does a wonderful job at presenting parenting "must do's" which everyone should know. He provides information which will help you to raise an intelligent, well adjusted and happy baby and child. What I like most about this book is that everything he presented was backed by hard data and he sites the published scientific literature throughout his book.