Me, Myself and I: How Children Build Their Sense of Self 18-36 Months (Goddard Parenting Guides) [Paperback]

Kyle D. Pruett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 1999 | Series: Goddard Parenting Guides

A child's personality and self-image are largely shaped by the time he/she is three. Nationally-known author Kyle D. Pruett, M.D. describes the high-speed, fascinating process that transforms an 18-month-old infant with only a budding awareness of self into an independent three-year-old with a clear idea of the person he/she is and wants to be.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Pruett (The Nurturing Father), a clinical psychiatrist at Yale University's Child Study Center, takes an in-depth look at the emotional development of the 18- to 36-month-old. During this age period, a child's cognitive and emotional faculties develop surprisingly quickly; nurturing parents especially matter in this phase, when children are so receptive to parental guidance. Emphasizing that it's the way parents "nurture nature" that counts, Pruett makes the compelling case that emotions drive learning. The author concentrates on how a positive emotional life enhances brain development, encourages parents to give their children love and positive experiences and stresses the importance of play in a child's life. Pruett maintains that the most crucial milestones a child mastersAsuch as learning to trust and to resolve conflicts and developing curiosity, confidence and contentmentAare emotional rather than physical. Incorporating recent research, his text is breezy and anecdotal, with a parent-friendly tone. Pruett underscores the importance of constant, nurturing caregivers and includes a sensible discussion of early child-care issues. This is a thorough and sensitive celebration of a young child's emotional life, clearly defining the critical links between the way children learn and how they feel about themselves and the world. (June)
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

These Goddard parenting guides, written for the educated parent, report recent research on the functioning of the brain and the integration of emotional, physical, mental, and social growth. When new findings contradict old theories, the authors separate fact from fad. While each book does give concrete suggestions on what to do at various ages, the emphasis is on the developmental point in the child's life at a particular time. The Rameys, both psychology professors at the University of Alabama, describe seven principles essential to good parenting, culled from years of research. They take pains to explain why punishment is detrimental to babies. Pruett, a professor of child psychiatry at Yale's Child Study Center, also describes how to set limits for toddlers in his discussion of the tremendous development that occurs between 18 months and three years. Each book takes a careful look at good day-care solutions and encourages parents to relax and enjoy their children. The authors recognize that new parents may sometimes feel awkward interacting with their small children, and both books demonstrate how important that personal contact is. The series will continue with issues of concern to parents of three- to eight-year-olds, also written by the Rameys. Both books are recommended for public and academic libraries.AMargaret Cardwell, Georgia Perimeter Coll., Clarkston
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Goddard Press, Inc.; 1 edition (May 25, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0966639758
• ISBN-13: 978-0966639759
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,371,167 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars High on the Recommended List!, March 8, 2000

By 

Christina Raley - See all my reviews

This review is from: Me, Myself and I: How Children Build Their Sense of Self 18-36 Months (Goddard Parenting Guides) (Hardcover)

This beautifully written book on the critical development of self-esteem through the toddler years will be immeasurably helpful to any parent. If you have ever wondered why your young child does what she does, and whether or not you are responding in the best way, you will find a wealth of information in this book to guide you as you guide your child through the toddler years. Covering everything from brain development to discipline, you will find practical, helpful advice on how to strengthen your child's growth and development. It is thorough in its subject and includes all developmental areas such as language, the importance of play and how children learn from it, striving for independence and how this effects behavior, temperament, role modeling, how family and culture shape values and many other facets of daily growth and development. The key to being a good parent is in understanding why children do the things they do. This book will open your eyes to what is actually going on inside your little one, enabling you to be the most caring and productive guide and teacher you can be for your child. Another score for the Goddard Parenting series of books. Highly recommended! Christina Raley, Managing Editor of A Positive Parenting Website

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Bible For Understanding Child Development, December 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Me, Myself and I: How Children Build Their Sense of Self 18-36 Months (Goddard Parenting Guides) (Hardcover)

Me, Myself and I should be required reading for all parents of children ages 18 to 36 months. Dr. Pruett has done an enormous service -- providing insights into temperament, style, communication, playing, and more. Parents shouldn't think twice about getting this book. They and their children will be happier, healthier, and better adjusted than those that decide to take a pass. Dr. Pruett shows parents how parenting can be made a little easier. Bravo to the author!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Me, Myself and I, November 24, 1999

By 

Julia Janosi (Ann Arbor, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Me, Myself and I: How Children Build Their Sense of Self 18-36 Months (Goddard Parenting Guides) (Hardcover)

Dr. Pruetts book is loaded with great advice and research that I use to help me with my two year old. He offers good common sense perspectives that are very applicable in day to day child raising. I would recommend this book for all concerned parents as they raise happy , healthy kids.