 A good addition to your parenting library |
| Review Date: February 20, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This book explains in detail the results of numerous brain research studies. The most important part, though, are the implications for parents, in terms of the type of experiences, toys, and caring that we should provide at particular stages of child development. At first, browsing this book in a bookstore, I decided not to buy it because I also thought that it espouses a pressured, pushy kind of parenting. But now that I've read it, I realized I was wrong. In fact, the authors emphasize that a child's intellectual growth is inevitably tied to his or her emotionoal growth, and so an important part of stimulating our children's minds is to provide an emotionally stable home and unconditional love. I disagree with an earlier reviewer who said this book encourages parents to push their children into over-achievement. Instead, the book brings our attention to the fascinating changes and growth that our children's brains and intellect go through, with suggestions for gently nurturing them. In fact, on p. 167 the authors cite books by David Elkind, who "warns parents and educators about the dangers ... in teaching academic subjects to young children." The chapters are divided by age group. Each chapter discusses the particular stage in terms of development in language, math, science, music, etc. Then each chapter ends with a description of an "enrichment program" appropriate to that stage. The end of the book is composed of a resource guide and enrichment tools including books, games and toys, models and puzzles, muscial instruments, art materials, lessons and classes, outins and trips, sports equipment, cds/tapes/records, videos, and computer software. Altogether this book is a valuable resource for parents. |
Required Reading for Parents, Educators, and Politicians!!!
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| Review Date: April 3, 1998 |
| Reviewer: Richard Schroeder schro@usa.net, Barrington, Illinois |
| As an elementary teacher and future parent, this book is perhaps the most influential work that I have ever read. While participating in a Brain-Research Workshop a few months ago, our facilitator mentioned this as the #1 book (in terms of child development) for parents, teachers, and anyone else who spends time with children. I must say that I am in complete agreement! Dr. Diamond and Janet Hopson not only touch on the scientific aspects of brain research, but provide readers with "real-life" examples and ideas proven to develop the minds of children from conception to adulthood. This is a terrific book that is a must read. I recommend it to the parents, teachers, and administrators in my district. Don't miss out on the potential enrichment of your children. |
required reading for all parents
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| Review Date: April 5, 2000 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This book should be required reading for all parents. Those individuals who criticize this book because of perceived differences between rat brains and human brains miss the point and have a poor understanding of neurobiology. Diamond has put together a very practical guide to educating the brain and, unlike many educational material, her suggestions are based on actual research rather than on what the current educational trend happens to be. |
Excellent mix of Science and Usable Information!
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| Review Date: December 21, 2000 |
| Reviewer: Genevieve Boehm, Kansas City, MO USA |
| I was recommened this book by a college professor who teaches foreign languages to elementary students. I have always found language acquisition a facinating subject. This book clearly describes the process of brain development without using confusing technical wording. As I continued to read, I realized what a wonderful tool this book will be when I have children. It gives concrete examples and advice on how to help your children, by ages, expand their learning in all ways. I highly recommend this book for teachers, parents, and anyone who works with children. |
Finally!! Brain research for every parent and educator.
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| Review Date: June 17, 1998 |
| Reviewer: , |
| This book is a must read for parents and eductors. It approaches what is being learned about the brain and breaks it into sensible categories of chronological development that all parents can understand. Diamond and Hopson give practical insights and applications that can be used in homes and in classrooms. What an exciting adventure to be part of the process which shapes and molds a child's brain!! |
For an understanding of the relationship between life experiences and brain development
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| Review Date: June 30, 2006 |
| Reviewer: drjenna, fond du lac, WI USA |
As a child psychiatrist, I've recommended this book to area developmental specialists, teachers in early childhood education, and parents who have questions about understanding the relationship between brain development, behavioral and emotional development, and early life experiences.
It helps parents feel assured that negative experiences will not be destined to cause permanent adversity. It helps parents feel less guilty about "failing" to expose their child to Beethoven in utero. And it helps parents understand a bit about why early intervention for emotional, behavioral, and anxiety issues may be very protective.
Readers will come away from reading this book with a vivid picture of how the brain's neurologic connections are always dynamic--for example, if you sit in a room and practice piano for hours and hours, the areas of your brain responsible will become very dense and enriched. If you then stop practicing, that area will "prune" and become less enriched. Of course, early childhood is a time when the brain is more ready to learn many skills (language, for example) and the book explains this, too. But ultimately its message is that we can all explore and experience new things at any time--a very positive message!
I use some of the concepts presented in this book to educate parents about development, parenting, nurturance, and enrichment. I use some of the concepts to help others understand the impact of child abuse, and traumatic early experiences.
I haven't utilized the appendices that recommend specific books and toys for enrichment--I really believe in following a child in this regard, and so I make more personal recommendations to parents than a book can really do. |
Give this book at every baby shower.
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| Review Date: October 2, 2000 |
| Reviewer: K Pace, Redwood City, CA USA |
| Dr. Diamond has taken invaluable scientific research and in everyday language given us the necessary tools to be really effective parents. I cannot say enough good things about the information contained in this book except that it is very reassuring to rely on information based on hard science rather than psychological intrepretations. If I don't give it to them myself, I at least tell every parent or parent-to-be that I know about this book! |
Magic Trees of the Mind : How to Nurture Your Child's Intelligence, Creativity, and Healthy Emotions from Birth Through Adolesce
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| Review Date: December 11, 2006 |
| Reviewer: T. Braun, |
This book is scientifically grounded and well presented to make it a fascinating read and easy to apply at any age.
My daughter was about 13 months old when we were vacationing in San Diego when a guest who had been observing us interacting by the poolside approached us and informed me I should considered this book. It turned out that the guest was a child pychologist and 'saw' tremendous potential in my child and went on to explained the power of nurturing and stimulating the young mind; particularly keying in on the 'window of opportunities' or knowing when the right timing for introducing particular stimulants at specific ages to enhance development of the mind. It has been 6 years ago since I purchased this book and I still make references to it!! It has been a tremendous "awareness" gift given to us from a complete stranger and this is why I felt compelled to write a review (even years later) and to share my enthusiasm! It is rewarding seeing my daughter thrive and so full of life and eager to learn. I am grateful I got my hands on this book early enough to make a difference in our lives.
Parts of the book provide medical explanations and supporting examples on how the brain's neuron, branching dendrites and synapses function and develop. Along with this, the author provides parent-recommeded enrichment tools to introduce at each particular age which has been an invaluable reference; keying in on when and what types of activities to undertake or books and games to support a childs learning.
I highly recommend this book as a vauable guide for those parents who sensibly want to nurture their child's growing mind. |
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