What’s Going on in There? : How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life
What’s Going on in There? : How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life
Though not for the impatient, What’s Going on in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life will undoubtedly make you a better parent. It is thick, detailed, and scientific. But it is also accessible to parents who have the time and patience to immerse themselves in the latest research on brain development. And for those who do, the rewards can be great.
You’ll understand the inner workings of the brain like never before. You’ll learn the latest thinking on the nature vs. nurture question. You’ll gain invaluable insights into the evolution of the senses, motor skills, social and emotional growth, memory, language, and intelligence. But most importantly, you’ll understand–maybe for the first time–exactly how great your contribution as a parent can be to the development of your young child’s brain. Written by Lise Eliot, Ph.D., a neurobiologist and mother of three, What’s Going on in There? is an immensely intelligent labor of love. It is based on the author’s own “odyssey of discovery” as she sought answers to questions about her own role in carrying, delivering, and parenting her children. –Kelley SmithAs a research neuroscientist, Lise Eliot has made the study of the human brain her life’s work. But it wasn’t until she was pregnant with her first child that she became intrigued with the study of brain development. She wanted to know precisely how the baby’s brain is formed, and when and how each sense, skill, and cognitive ability is developed. And just as important, she was interested in finding out how her role as a nurturer can affect this complex process. How much of her baby’s development is genetically ordained–and how much is determined by environment? Is there anything parents can do to make their babies’ brains work better–to help them become smarter, happier people? Drawing upon the exploding research in this field as well as the stories of real children, What’s Going On in There? is a lively and thought-provoking book that charts the brain’s development from conception through the critical first five years. In examining the many factors that play crucial roles in that process, What’s Going On in There? explores the evolution of the senses, motor skills, social and emotional behaviors, and mental functions such as attention, language, memory, reasoning, and intelligence. This remarkable book also discusses:
how a baby’s brain is “assembled” from scratch
the critical prenatal factors that shapebrain development
how the birthing process itself affects the brain
which forms of stimulation are most effective at promoting cognitive development
how boys’ and girls’ brains develop differently
how nutrition, stress, and other physical and social factors can permanently affect a child’s brain
Brilliantly blending cutting-edge science with a mother’s wisdom and insight, What’s Going On in There? is an invaluable contribution to the nature versus nurture debate. Children’s development is determined both by the genes they are born with and the richness of their early environment. This timely and important book shows parents the innumerable ways in which they can actually help their children grow better brains.
User Ratings and Reviews
5 Stars Absolutely Must Read
I am an Early Childhood Specialist and this book is well written, clear and easy to understand, begins at conception and continues through age 5, information is research documented but written in an understandable and usable form. Very pleased that i bought one for myself and my daughter-in-law.
5 Stars Recommend to any mom interested in your new baby’s brain development
I read this while I was pregnant and was able to apply concepts right away. This is perfect for anyone who is interested in their newborn/toddler’s brain development, which to me was fascinating. It’s not fluffy, but not difficult to read either.
4 Stars Indepth look at baby’s development
I am impressed with the knowledge contained in this book. It isn’t a recent publication, but the information is still worth while. This book is for parents who want an indepth look at how the brain develops, the effects of maternal experiences has on the fetus/baby and how it will affect the baby at birth. So far I have read the first 100 pages and it is very interesting. If my 4 month old would give me more time to read, I would have the book done. It is quite technical so it isn’t for everyone but very worth the money to read.
5 Stars Informative, well written and accessible to most lay people.
It’s not a how to manual. Its exactly what it says in the title, and its very good in that mode.
Though if your the type, you can easily ‘read into’ the information and come to some useful conclusions.
5 Stars Wow! What a great book.
Some books should be mandatory for new parents. This would be one of them. It’s not an “easy” read, but it has such great information presented in great detail.
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