SMART PARENTING, SMARTER KIDS

Walsh (Why Do They Act That Way?, 2005, etc.) helps parents understand their child’s amazing brain.

Parents are bombarded with child-rearing manuals and videos, and much of the information can be overwhelming or guilt-inducing. Walsh, a father and a psychologist, knows that products such as “Baby Einstein” do not increase I.Q. and may, in fact, hinder language development. His practical advice is delivered in a breezy style, with many first-person examples to help parents understand how the brain develops and apply that knowledge to raise healthier, happier children. Physical components of brain growth, such as glial cells and hormones, are discussed, and each chapter is coupled with down-to-earth questions or a “Parent Tool Kit” and a simple list of “Do’s and Don’ts.” The author’s voice is not preachy; Walsh even mentions his own mistakes. The author also emphasizes reading and writing, and he touches on a variety of themes, including the special needs of children with ADD, ADHD and Asperger’s. Walsh also examines the teenage brain, including a discussion of the warning signs for depression and suicide, the third-leading cause of death among adolescents. It turns out that our elders’ advice for unstructured play time was good, but today’s parents will appreciate the modern applications and additional resources. A helpful guide for understanding kids and teenagers.