Early childhood development researcher Galinsky presents the seven skills she believes all children should learn, showing parents not only what chi...
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Aug 30, 2011
Laura
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I'm half way through the book. It takes all the science on early childhood development, brain research and social emotional intelligence and simplifies it. If you are not currently not familiar with the recent research on brain development for infants through 3 years old, I recommend this book as a good starting point. However, in simplifying the topics, something is lost.
The books feels like the author is reporting on the current flavor of research. I believe this research wi More...
The books feels like the author is reporting on the current flavor of research. I believe this research wi More...
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Jan 30, 2012
Natali
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I learned a lot from this book. Not only does it discuss how to encourage learning in my children, but also in myself and my household.
The author presents seven tenets to encourage learning and mind development in children. I read the book while my son was between the ages of 17 and 18 months old, which is the ideal time since most studies and exercises start to apply to children around 18 months old. I have already started to encourage certain learning characteristics in my son and More...
The author presents seven tenets to encourage learning and mind development in children. I read the book while my son was between the ages of 17 and 18 months old, which is the ideal time since most studies and exercises start to apply to children around 18 months old. I have already started to encourage certain learning characteristics in my son and More...
May 27, 2011
Marya
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Having slogged through 200 pages, I think I can safely say I can give a rough evaluation of the book. The idea of the seven skills parents need to teach their children is intriguing. The research Galinsky uses to back up these seven skills is plentiful. The writing style, unfortunately, does not live up to this potential. On every single page, Galinsky has a different research study. On every single page, Galinsky has a different anecdote (and no, this book isn't printed on pages the size of
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Feb 22, 2011
David
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I would give this book 5 stars for concept, but 1 for execution. The back cover essentially says it all—nothing much further is offered within. The writing style was first-person conversational, which I found inappropriate for the subject matter. And it didn’t seem to deliver on how to build those skills in children, particularly teens. Her suggestions were nothing new, nor presented in any solid or compelling manner; all very antidotal and homespun. I found myself reading intently at first
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Oct 30, 2011
Ginny
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Though dense at times, this book was, I think, the most helpful so far for what Kyle and I think we need to know to raise a child. All about the mental qualities, giving advice on how to raise a smart, aware child all the way from baby infant stages to teenagerhood. Really kept me intellectually interested in the idea of raising a child, taught me a lot that I did not know, and also, put me at ease about how easy and natural and fun it's going to be anyways.
Maybe you don't need to rea More...
Maybe you don't need to rea More...
Nov 26, 2011
Algirdas
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This book contains a lot of insight on early learning as well as plenty of practical advise. It focuses on seven essential life skills that include self-control, perspective taking, communicating, making connections, critical thinking, taking on challenges and engaged learning.
For each skill overview of relevant scientific studies is provided, some real-life cases are discussed, and practical suggestions are listed.
The book contains a lot of citations and excerpts from interv More...
For each skill overview of relevant scientific studies is provided, some real-life cases are discussed, and practical suggestions are listed.
The book contains a lot of citations and excerpts from interv More...
Mar 07, 2011
Brooke
rated it:
It took me awhile to pick this up b/c I was just craving fiction, but I'm so glad I did. It was a very readable walk through many of my professional interests. I felt like I relived a bit of undergrad & graduate school studies, my teaching days, nonprofit work and parenthood along the way. Galinsky takes a look at all sort of compelling research about how children learn and what they need to develop and groups them into 7 essential skills. Fascinating reading and many take aways as a parent
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Jan 31, 2011
Megan
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This book is so good. It goes though the things you need to teach your children to be successful in the google generation. I love that she provides endless ideas of fun, easy, natural things you can do with your children after she explains each concept. I still haven't finished it and I've had it a month, so I think I just need to buy it. By the way, if I give you the money will someone pay my library fines for me? I'm a little afraid of the librarians at my local library.
Oct 05, 2011
Emily
rated it:
A completely different type of "parenting" manual--one that is refreshing in comparison to all the milestones-type reading. Although I think many readers would get tired of the continued references to researchers and experiments, librarians, teachers, daycare providers, and parents (and ultimately children!) would all benefit from reading and discussing this book.
Oct 17, 2011
Pam
rated it:
Ellen Galinsky writes about the seven essential life skills necessary for every child to be successful as an adult. For each skill, she provides real life examples and instructions on how parents and teachers can help the children in their care develop these skills. She even provides instructions for adults trying to increase their proficiency in one of these skills. While the book is dry at times and she often goes into too much detail, it is a fascinating book to skim. I highly recommend it
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Jul 12, 2010
Kris
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This book was ridiculously boring. I might try to read it again someday when I have absolutely nothing else to do, but man. Someone write a CliffNotes version so I can check that one out instead. I really would have liked to read this book, but I just could NOT focus or get into it. (Ironic that one of the principles to be taught is focus. Bwahaha.)
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Jun 05, 2011
Mackenzie
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I'm actually reading the "Vook" version, which I downloaded off the internet. It includes videos from the research the author discusses, which is kind of cool. Some of the videos are more interesting than others. I'm only about one chapter in so far but have heard good things from my teacher friends who read it.
Jan 07, 2011
Kristin
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This author has reviewed numerous studies and done some of her own to show that "The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs" are:
1- Focus and self control
2- Perspective taking
3- Communication
4- Making connections
5- Critical thinking
6- Taking on Challenges
7- Self-directed, engaged learning
1- Focus and self control
2- Perspective taking
3- Communication
4- Making connections
5- Critical thinking
6- Taking on Challenges
7- Self-directed, engaged learning
Jan 24, 2012
Heather
rated it:
I just couldn't do it, I confess. I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't. I found it dry and annoying and I actually LOVE to read about brain research and I LOVE the genre of non-fiction. There are some good points in here, but I can't bring them to mind as they are bogged under my peevishness over the lay out, font and general formatting of the book. Overall, the book remains, for me, mediocre at best and a waste of time at its worst. There is good information, but I really don'
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Apr 30, 2011
Lara
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I really liked this book. Sure, there is repetition but that is to be expected in a book like this. I felt like this was a great combo guide to brain development and parenting techniques that foster the essential skills kids will need.
Jul 24, 2010
Trish
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This book contains some interesting facts, but it is written like a psychology textbook and is an incredibly slow read. There were a couple helpful parenting tips, but you really have to be patient and look for them.
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Jul 15, 2010
Katherine
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I read this book for my research paper in child psychology and I absolutely loved it. I liked how she wrote about real experiments and actual RESEARCH instead of just her own opinions. Wonderful book.
Jul 22, 2011
Just received in convention. Ms Galinsky's lecture over info in book was above and beyond excellant and very easy to understand. Can't wait to read it and use the concepts.
Apr 23, 2011
Kim
rated it:
What a GREAT book! Some of the best stuff I've read in a while -- not just from a parenting point of view, but also from and educational point of view. Easy to follow and understand and full of interesting ideas about brain development and how we can best help our kids be ready for the world of "tomorrow."
Oct 30, 2010
Miriam
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It's written primarily for parents, but it was full of interesting information. I like books that explain scientific studies and their implications for us non-scientists.
Oct 06, 2010
Sarah-lu
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Excellent book about the ways in which young people develop and the skills that we all need that are truly important. Fabulous for teachers and parents.
Mar 06, 2011
Genie
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Book is ok combination of personal experiences and reporting of research, which is often oversimplified. But there are some good ideas here.
May 23, 2011
Gaurett
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Its a barenting book without guilt trip. It is mostly for preschool age but it is about raising resiliant children in this modern world
Aug 12, 2011
I didn't finish. It wasn't bad - it just seemed like a lot of things I already know. I have too many books I want to read to finish books that don't feel satisfying...
Apr 15, 2011
Janet
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Excellent, informative book, but by no means a quick read! There were moments when I wished there were cliff notes for it. But that doesn't diminish the value of the information provided.
Oct 01, 2010
Jamie
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I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and thought it was a great primer to parenting. This will now be my standard book to give to all expecting parents. Galinsky's writing style is interesting and easy, despite this book being a presentation of lots of research regarding childhood development. Reading this book reminded me that childhood development, while highly scientific and crucial, can be supported through some really simple, common sense practices. Phew.
Aug 05, 2010
Heather
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My husband bought this book after doing some follow-up reading on a talk that he thought was interesting--Pres. Uchtdorf's talk based on patience. He mentioned a study with children and marshmallows--this book is built around that study. LOVED all the interesting studies they cited. Who knew that babies could identify helpful individuals at 8 months? Lots of great teaching/parenting ideas. This is one book I will return to many times.
