Child Development Media » Parenting 

What is the right way to give a baby the best foundation for life? What does the new research on brain development and early learning really say? And what does it not say?

In this book Drs Craig and Shanon Ramey , child development researchers, help parents and caregivers separate facts from fads and give practical advice on care-giving practices that make a difference over the long term. Their focus is on the child’s total development--how growth, learning, communications and social and emotional development interact and depend on one another.

“The more you know about how infants and young children develop,” they write, “the more you understand why some parenting practices are more effective than others in producing a good-natured, socially responsive, creative, and accomplished child.”

To help put this knowledge to use, the authors have identified what they call Seven Essentials that children need in their everyday lives. They then demonstrate month-by month activities that put these essentials into practice. Their recommendations are guiding principles based on many studies including many infants and parents in various circumstances.

The activities are easy to do, fun to learn, and don’t require buying anything. Equally important, they can be done by anyone, anywhere, at anytime. While this book covers birth to 18 months, the Essentials are relevant as children move beyond toddlerhood.

As the Rameys bring together findings regarding the latest research on brain development, they clearly and persuasively impart that what really works to enhance child development is care, affection, guidance, play, and lots of opportunities to learn by discovering with caring adults.

With so much emphasis on brain development parents are reminded that their child’s total identity including the social emotional aspects, is constantly being shaped by experiences. The authors warn parents not to sacrifice any one aspect of development in favor of another.

This book is important for parents, caregivers and other professionals who are concerned about child development.

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Includes: Book

Written By: Ramey, Sharon, Ph.D., and Craig, Ph.D.

259 pages