I’m an advocate on quality child development, considering mine was screwed-up, I’ve always been educating myself on the ‘proper’ way of raising kids.
I find that as I reached my 30′s and beyond, it seems my paternal instinct is kicking in, getting stronger at each passing year. It’s always interesting to read-up such topic for me.
There will always be new development and opinions on the matter, and it’s always good to stay abreast of such progress. You never know when it might comes in handy.
Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
Galinsky (Six Stages of Parenthood; Ask the Children) has spent her career observing and analyzing how children learn. Collaborating with top researchers in the science of childhood brain development for the past decade, she identifies seven life skills that help children reach their full potential and unleash their passion to learn.
The skills are presented in a readable and accessible volume enlivened by parents’ narratives about what works and what doesn’t, hints and tips, and over a hundred suggestions (games and family activities) for involving kids in the pursuit of learning.
Each of seven chapters focuses on one skill, most of them involved with the executive (or management) function of the brain, such as focus and self-control, communicating, and critical thinking. Galinsky urges parents to instill in their children a grasp of different kinds of knowledge to best tap inborn sense and foster self-motivation.
The big message is simple: teaching children to think may be the most important thing a parent can do. It doesn’t take a village and it doesn’t require fancy courses or equipment—Galinsky’s everyday, playful, parent-child learning interactions offer a place to start. Some of the advice may seem self-evident, but it is a valuable, worthwhile resource.
Ellen Galinsky about the “marshmallow test” and what it says about your child’s ability to pursue future goals.
Ellen Galinsky about the right way to encourage children, especially when dealing with education.
Ellen Galinsky about the problems of over-praising kids to build self-esteem without demanding accomplishments.
