Amazon.com Review
The Youngest Minds is a surprisingly readable mixture of science review, advice manual, and consciousness-raising book, which should be at the top of every expectant parent's reading list. Child neurologist Ann B. Barnet and her husband, Richard, explore the world of the very young with the aim of providing an overview of early development in such areas as language, emotional attachment, and socialization. Dr. Barnet puts her expertise to good use in lucid explanations of the biology of brain growth, and both she and her husband draw on their experience as parents and grandparents to put this scientific material in a practical perspective. They also express concern for children worldwide who are suffering from less-than-optimal social and economic conditions and consequently are missing out on their full potential. Chapters include "How the Brain Takes Shape"; "Pathways of Language"; "Empathy, Conscience, and Moral Development"; and Caring for Children.
So should you read to your newborn? What's going on in an infant's brain? How does language develop? What can we do to foster emotional attachment? The Barnets provide guidance rather than answers, just as any good scientist (or grandparent) would. Whether read as a science text, a parenting guide, or a plea for children's well-being, The Youngest Minds will satisfy the curious, caring parent. --Rob Lightner
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Publishers Weekly
This husband-and-wife team, she a pediatric neurologist, he a veteran author (Global Reach, etc.), jumps into the debate over the relative importance of genetics vs. environment in shaping human personality. Explaining recent work in language acquisition and emotional development (including empathy and morality), they provide an accessible summary of our current state of knowledge of brain development and chemistry while placing significantly greater emphasis on the role played by environmental factors. The Barnets offer ample evidence suggesting that the quality and quantity of stimulation experienced by children, especially in the first three years of life, directly influences the structure of a child's brain, creating neural networks that would otherwise not be present. They also summarize a wealth of studies indicating that Head Start and other early-intervention programs have had a huge impact on the long-term well-being of children. Although the book is in part being marketed as a guide to parenting, beyond the seemingly obvious (talk and read to children, tell them you love them, provide lots of hugs), there is little that will be of use in assisting parents to shape a daily routine. Surprisingly, for instance, no mention is made of recent research demonstrating the importance of music in cognitive development. Nonetheless, the Barnets present a compelling overview of an expanding field.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
