Great Kids: Helping Your Baby and Child Develop the Ten Essential Qualities for a Healthy, Happy Life (Merloyd Lawrence Book) (Hardcover)

by Stanley I Greenspan (Author)
Key Phrases: playground politics, intellectual breadth, Does Susannah, Huck Finn, John Holt

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Professor of psychiatry and pediatrics Greenspan (The Challenging Child, Engaging Autism) expands his authorial reach, heretofore limited to special needs children, with this general guide to instilling values in any developing child. A conversational style eases parents into the methods for cultivating 10 essential qualities that will "make possible the pursuit of success, wisdom, and rich relationships at every stage of life": engagement, empathy, curiosity, communication, emotional range, self-awareness, internal discipline, creativity and vision, logical thinking and moral integrity. Using the "Floortime" method developed (and trademarked) by Greenspan and his colleagues (widely practiced by those working with autistic children), the process begins with parents getting down into "her orbit at her eye level and on her terms," letting the child lead so that one can "build on her interests in ways that expand her experiences and tolerance for frustration." Following a complete and detailed discussion of the quality in question, including helpful examples, chapters end with a concise set of action points for children at various stages of development. Interesting, practical and rooted in solid values, Greenspan's latest is a notable standout in a crowded field.
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Review
"A topical, informative, and well-thought-out book, it will stay relevant throughout your child's life as they go through the many stages of development." -- Parent Magazine

"Even if you inherently distrust books that list the `magic 10' items of whatever, Great Kids, a wise book by a prolific author and top expert in pediatrics, is worth consideration. The traits he focuses on are qualities of great importance and depth...He uses anecdotes to underline all his essential points and does it in a conversational style that is reader-friendly...Each of the qualities Greenspan discusses is fully developed from child status to adult status through solid research and clear explanation, and by using lively anecdotes." -- Deseret Morning News

"No catchy subtitle, no shtick, maxim, or system. No list of parenting potholes, of ways things might spiral out of control--just a book about great kids...in clear, accessible language." -- Minnesota Parent

"Readers will be richly rewarded. Highly recommended." -- Library Journal

"[An] inspiring and quick-to-read book...[Greenspan] redefines the commonly held definition of an emotionally and intellectually healthy child...Educators and parents are always on the lookout for the latest and best `parent help' book. Great Kids should be high on everyone's list. This book offers clear and compelling directions on how to fill our schools and our society with great people." -- American School Board Journal

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (August 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0738209791
• ISBN-13: 978-0738209791
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #450,980 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all parents, March 19, 2008

By	Elizabeth T. - See all my reviews

As a child development professional, I highly recommend Great Kids to all parents and caregivers who want to encourage their child to build a happy, healthy, moral, and successful life. Dr Greenspan explains that these traits that make great kids come from experience, and any child can learn them. This is not just a book for children with challenges, but for any child - infants on up. Of the many child development and parenting books I have read, this is one of the very best. Developing and encouraging traits like empathy and moral integrity - even in infants - will undoubtedly help many parents raise a wonderful child. A MUST READ.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wise parenting manual, June 13, 2008

By	Rolf Dobelli "getAbstract.com" (Switzerland) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

The way you raise your child from infancy through adolescence determines his or her success in interacting with people and dealing with life situations. Every parent wants confident, sensitive, patient and morally sound children. But human beings are not born with these qualities; parents and caregivers are responsible for teaching children about them. Dr. Stanley Greenspan, an authority on infant and child development, describes each of 10 essential traits he believes children need, and advises parents how to instill and encourage them in their kids. His contentions are backed up by 30 years of practical experience. getAbstract recommends this book to parents who are looking for a guide through the complexities of child rearing.