What do you think?
Rate this book
Bright from the Start
A cutting-edge handbook for parents, from a pioneer in infant brain development, that bridges the gap between the most current neuroscience and practical parenting techniques Dr. Jill Stamm's daughter was born almost four months premature, and doctors insisted she would never walk or talk. Now, thirty-two years later, her daughter is living proof that nearly every baby's brain has the potential to adapt and flourish given the right attention. A leading authority in infant brain development, she makes new, remarkable findings accessible to everyone in Bright from the Start. What babies need is as simple as A, B, u -- ATTENTION: including how to increase a child's attention span, and how to balance stimulation with down time -- BONDING: illustrating the importance of developing emotional attachment between a child and a consistent caregiver--and why this is key to cognitive development -- COMMUNICATION: with breakthrough advice for tapping the correlation between verbal engagement with parents and higher IQ rates among children She also discusses what kind of childcare environment to select, why learning toys don't teach as much as you think, why reading to a baby is critical, and how you can help your child learn how to pay attention. By working with Dr. Stamm's ABCs in Bright from the Start, all parents can help to build a radiant future for their precious little ones.
368 pages, ebook
First published August 2, 2007
197 people are currently reading
1428 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 31, 2011
Due to the high ratings on Amazon, I think I wanted to not like this book. Well, four stars proves I lost that battle. I usually don't understand anything that is "science backed" but somehow Stamm explains the science of the brain so clearly I didn't want to skim over any of it. I read the first 100 pages like they didn't really matter (in about 30 minutes). But once I returned to the book (the very next day) I decided to start at page 1 and actually read through the whole thing. I'm really glad I did. Though there isn't one big idea or take away that will drastically change my parenting, I appreciated the simple reassurance that things I've already been doing are backed by loads of research. I also think the book helps motivate and encourage readers to look for even more ways to improve their caregiving. This is done in a gentle, guilt free sort of way.
Stamm's theory is simple to follow. A, B, C. Attention, Bonding, Communication. She emphasizes the idea that a caregiver is baby's first and best toy. Face games, fill and spill, hide and find, sort and match, etc; activities are essential to learning and developing attention span and curiosity. All these are led by a parent, not gimmicky-flashing toys. But she also emphasizes the need for play tim to be FUN and unstructured. Then there is downtime. Don't forget kids need to just take some time to watch the grass grow as birds chirp near by.
I love (and fully agree with) her emphasis on communication. Time and time again IQ is connected directly to vocabulary. Kids who start school with 10,000 words excel much quicker than those who enter with 5,000. Simply talking to a child, before they can even talk back, has a far reaching impact. Stamm also uses the section on communication to focus on music and reading. However, I find it interesting that music and reading come up in all of the ABCs. They are both such great ways to build and give attention, bond, and communicate with baby. I love love love reading time with my little one and he always calms right down when we start a game of itsy bitsy spider (or giggles the moment wheels on the bus begins).
Stamm is heavily against TV, which I appreciate. She doesn't think it needs to be removed completely, she just explains why it isn't good for a young brain to have too much of it (or too much of anything for that matter). She talks about looking for shows that follow a Mr Rogers pattern.
One thing I didn't like was all the product placement. Besides, most the books she suggests are out of print by now and hard to find. I wish she'd treated books with the same care she did TV, in regards to explaining what to look for (ie Mr Rogers format).
I would recommend this book to other moms, just as a casual read. I don't really recommend any mom-help books as a "baby bible." I honestly see myself checking it out again as Reid gets older, so I can look through the activities for 18mos olds in each chapter. Stamm shares lots of creative ways you can build babies attention and work on developmental milestones/skills. I kind of wish she would publish a little pamphlet with her age appropriate ABC (attention, bonding, communicating) activities. She really does have some simple but clever ideas.
Stamm's theory is simple to follow. A, B, C. Attention, Bonding, Communication. She emphasizes the idea that a caregiver is baby's first and best toy. Face games, fill and spill, hide and find, sort and match, etc; activities are essential to learning and developing attention span and curiosity. All these are led by a parent, not gimmicky-flashing toys. But she also emphasizes the need for play tim to be FUN and unstructured. Then there is downtime. Don't forget kids need to just take some time to watch the grass grow as birds chirp near by.
I love (and fully agree with) her emphasis on communication. Time and time again IQ is connected directly to vocabulary. Kids who start school with 10,000 words excel much quicker than those who enter with 5,000. Simply talking to a child, before they can even talk back, has a far reaching impact. Stamm also uses the section on communication to focus on music and reading. However, I find it interesting that music and reading come up in all of the ABCs. They are both such great ways to build and give attention, bond, and communicate with baby. I love love love reading time with my little one and he always calms right down when we start a game of itsy bitsy spider (or giggles the moment wheels on the bus begins).
Stamm is heavily against TV, which I appreciate. She doesn't think it needs to be removed completely, she just explains why it isn't good for a young brain to have too much of it (or too much of anything for that matter). She talks about looking for shows that follow a Mr Rogers pattern.
One thing I didn't like was all the product placement. Besides, most the books she suggests are out of print by now and hard to find. I wish she'd treated books with the same care she did TV, in regards to explaining what to look for (ie Mr Rogers format).
I would recommend this book to other moms, just as a casual read. I don't really recommend any mom-help books as a "baby bible." I honestly see myself checking it out again as Reid gets older, so I can look through the activities for 18mos olds in each chapter. Stamm shares lots of creative ways you can build babies attention and work on developmental milestones/skills. I kind of wish she would publish a little pamphlet with her age appropriate ABC (attention, bonding, communicating) activities. She really does have some simple but clever ideas.
July 9, 2016
As a pediatrician, I'm always on the look out for useful, practical guide books for motivated parents. This book makes neuroscientific and developmental concepts practical, which is sadly a rarity in the genre. In reading some of the other reviewers opinions, I noticed the frequency of "But I already knew this stuff!" and "I would do that anyway!" Well, yes, and that's a good thing - hopefully, what this book does is teach you the why for all those activities that seem to come so naturally, so that you'll spend more time doing them, try to incorporate them as often as possible into your daily routine, and maybe spend LESS time with gimmicks and distractions. Also, she focuses on developmentally APPROPRIATE activities, reassuring parents that learning tricks and rote memorization might be fun for cocktail-party reasons, but READINESS is the most important skill for the 0-3 set, not counting to 100 or learning a second language.
The one area I contend with is her aversion to prolonged crying. She makes her points using examples of studies that looked at children in abusive and neglectful environments, but a loving family who is trying to get their child to sleep through the night should not be burdened with the idea that prolonged crying will hardwire their baby for stress for the rest of their life. Likewise for the parents suffering though the horror of a colicky baby. Her opinion in this area seems mired in some emotional trauma from when her eldest daughter was in the NICU, which is obviously completely understandable, but I think she over-generalizes in this respect. She should notes that quick response is especially vital in infancy, from the newborn period through 6 months, but that crying in and of itself will not cause lasting damage.
Despite this one criticism, an excellent book, and one that helps make real scientific theories practical. I definitely recommend!
The one area I contend with is her aversion to prolonged crying. She makes her points using examples of studies that looked at children in abusive and neglectful environments, but a loving family who is trying to get their child to sleep through the night should not be burdened with the idea that prolonged crying will hardwire their baby for stress for the rest of their life. Likewise for the parents suffering though the horror of a colicky baby. Her opinion in this area seems mired in some emotional trauma from when her eldest daughter was in the NICU, which is obviously completely understandable, but I think she over-generalizes in this respect. She should notes that quick response is especially vital in infancy, from the newborn period through 6 months, but that crying in and of itself will not cause lasting damage.
Despite this one criticism, an excellent book, and one that helps make real scientific theories practical. I definitely recommend!
January 13, 2009
This book I picked up soon after I gave birth to my daughter. It has since become my 'parenting bible'.
It gave me such an appreciation for the enormity and extreme inherent intelligence baby earthlings are born with.
The book provides practical examples of how to's, gives first hand experiences of raising physically and mentally challenged children and in turn outlines how these findings are as applicable to children blessed with no such disabilities.
A fascinating read that will heighten your respect for your miracle children.
It gave me such an appreciation for the enormity and extreme inherent intelligence baby earthlings are born with.
The book provides practical examples of how to's, gives first hand experiences of raising physically and mentally challenged children and in turn outlines how these findings are as applicable to children blessed with no such disabilities.
A fascinating read that will heighten your respect for your miracle children.
December 13, 2017
Written by a pioneer in infant brain development and also a mom, this book is so far one of the best I've read on the topic. I am not assuring you will find any breakthrough scientific discovery here, but it helps in reinforcing basic positive parenting skills with a scientific perspective. The book focuses on how to nurture infants from 0 to 3 years to help them develop their brains and lay down strong foundations for future growth. Early experiences are literally brain-shaping, and the author strongly advocates early and consistent support focusing on Attention (helping the baby develop attention) , Bonding (emotional bonding with the primary caretaker) and Communication. The book also gives many practical how to's and developmentally appropriate activities . And, the science part of it about the way brain grows after birth and how nurturing influences it is quite interesting on its own.
August 20, 2021
I'm a little torn with what I think about this book. I'm giving it a four star because it contains multiple, to the point lists of activities you can do with your baby/toddler that will encourage development and bonding, which I quite like. I think the book is worthwhile just because of those.
However, it's quite dense if you're not all that interested in neuroscience. I also feel like some parts in the book are a bit biased (white mother perspective who is able to breastfeed and stay at home for an extended time) and not always objective for a book calling itself "science-backed". I feel parts of it assumes correlation implies causation. However, the intention is good, and I don't think spending time playing with your baby/toddler is ever a bad thing.
However, it's quite dense if you're not all that interested in neuroscience. I also feel like some parts in the book are a bit biased (white mother perspective who is able to breastfeed and stay at home for an extended time) and not always objective for a book calling itself "science-backed". I feel parts of it assumes correlation implies causation. However, the intention is good, and I don't think spending time playing with your baby/toddler is ever a bad thing.
January 5, 2020
I must say every new mom needs this.
The greatest book I’ve read about raising a baby.
The greatest book I’ve read about raising a baby.
July 16, 2021
relies on some outdated and debunked research, but still mostly helpful
October 12, 2011
Jill Stamm's _Bright from the Start_ is excellent in so many unexpected ways. It operates in the same vein as John Medina's _Brain Rules for Baby_ -- synthesizing vast quantities of scientific research into simple precepts and offering suggestions for how parents can use that information to help their children's development. However, Stamm does not cover the same ground as Medina. They have chosen slightly different areas to emphasize, they offer significantly different kinds of help to parents, and they have vastly different styles.
In terms of topics, I appreciate Stamm's discussion of attention. Unlike some Goodreads reviewers, I would emphasize that she is not talking here about how much attention *parents* pay to children, but how to help *children* develop the ability to pay attention and focus in their learning. As the mother of a 10-month-old boy who has just learned to walk, I find myself often wondering if his constant wandering from toy to toy and room to room is healthy. Stamm explained concepts about how children develop attention that I haven't read anywhere else. (And I have now read quite a bit on the subject of infant brain development.) Her other 2 key topics -- bonding and communication -- were well-discussed, but both were better known to me. I am employing many of her suggestions: fostering direct eye contact, using the word "watch" to focus my son on something I want to show him, using an attention place mat to create a focused activity area space, etc. Thanks, Stamm, for talking about this important area of learning.
Topics aren't the only thing that set this book apart, however, from science synthesizers such as John Medina. Stamm's voice and style are drawn from both her personal experience and her professional experience as someone who does not work as an experimental scientist but as an educator and institute founder. Medina is a scientist and a wonk. Stamm is a practitioner in the field of child development. Indeed, she is a practitioner who entered the field because of her own experience with a severely challenged child. Her passion leads her to focus on improving the lives and outcomes of children, and she understands that parents need to know what they can do. Her ability to translate science for parents immediate use -- in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way -- is invaluable.
I wasn't sure at first about her routine references to her own struggles to raise her disabled daughter, Jenny. But ultimately, I felt that these discusrsions are effective. Perhaps she is trying to show us that she can *relate* to us as new parents. If so, it works. She does not come across as trying too hard, or condescending, in these very personal anecdotes. Rather, I think she taps into the emotional dynamics of parenting in a way that creates an empathetic space where readers feel that they are working in partnership with her to help children succeed in life. That's an unusual feat for an author to achieve.
One other thing sets this book apart. Specifics. Oh, thank you, Jill Stamm, for being so specific in an area where so many are confident in issuing general principles but uncomfortable suggesting very specific practices. Stamm routinely includes developmental charts devoted to parenting behaviors. Rather than offering charts that show parents where there children fit amidst other children, these charts help parents figure out what they should be doing, as parents, at different stages of development. Wow. Thanks! Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for! Stamm also includes specific games and activities that can help develop the skills she describes in the chapter. Again -- thanks! That's just what I wanted. Stamm's section on bonding is the only place where I've seen a specific discussion of child care providers. How should one evaluate a child care provider for children under age 3? Stamm provides a checklist. Based on her recommendations, we've decided to keep my son in the nanny share until age 2, rather than transitioning him to a more "educational" environment at 18 months. Maintaining the bond he has with the nannies is too important, Stamm says. Wow. Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to know!
I highly recommend this book. Thanks, Jill Stamm, for being the mentor I needed.
In terms of topics, I appreciate Stamm's discussion of attention. Unlike some Goodreads reviewers, I would emphasize that she is not talking here about how much attention *parents* pay to children, but how to help *children* develop the ability to pay attention and focus in their learning. As the mother of a 10-month-old boy who has just learned to walk, I find myself often wondering if his constant wandering from toy to toy and room to room is healthy. Stamm explained concepts about how children develop attention that I haven't read anywhere else. (And I have now read quite a bit on the subject of infant brain development.) Her other 2 key topics -- bonding and communication -- were well-discussed, but both were better known to me. I am employing many of her suggestions: fostering direct eye contact, using the word "watch" to focus my son on something I want to show him, using an attention place mat to create a focused activity area space, etc. Thanks, Stamm, for talking about this important area of learning.
Topics aren't the only thing that set this book apart, however, from science synthesizers such as John Medina. Stamm's voice and style are drawn from both her personal experience and her professional experience as someone who does not work as an experimental scientist but as an educator and institute founder. Medina is a scientist and a wonk. Stamm is a practitioner in the field of child development. Indeed, she is a practitioner who entered the field because of her own experience with a severely challenged child. Her passion leads her to focus on improving the lives and outcomes of children, and she understands that parents need to know what they can do. Her ability to translate science for parents immediate use -- in a compassionate, nonjudgmental way -- is invaluable.
I wasn't sure at first about her routine references to her own struggles to raise her disabled daughter, Jenny. But ultimately, I felt that these discusrsions are effective. Perhaps she is trying to show us that she can *relate* to us as new parents. If so, it works. She does not come across as trying too hard, or condescending, in these very personal anecdotes. Rather, I think she taps into the emotional dynamics of parenting in a way that creates an empathetic space where readers feel that they are working in partnership with her to help children succeed in life. That's an unusual feat for an author to achieve.
One other thing sets this book apart. Specifics. Oh, thank you, Jill Stamm, for being so specific in an area where so many are confident in issuing general principles but uncomfortable suggesting very specific practices. Stamm routinely includes developmental charts devoted to parenting behaviors. Rather than offering charts that show parents where there children fit amidst other children, these charts help parents figure out what they should be doing, as parents, at different stages of development. Wow. Thanks! Yes, that's exactly what I was looking for! Stamm also includes specific games and activities that can help develop the skills she describes in the chapter. Again -- thanks! That's just what I wanted. Stamm's section on bonding is the only place where I've seen a specific discussion of child care providers. How should one evaluate a child care provider for children under age 3? Stamm provides a checklist. Based on her recommendations, we've decided to keep my son in the nanny share until age 2, rather than transitioning him to a more "educational" environment at 18 months. Maintaining the bond he has with the nannies is too important, Stamm says. Wow. Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to know!
I highly recommend this book. Thanks, Jill Stamm, for being the mentor I needed.
September 13, 2019
[3,5 estrelas]
Sempre achei as temáticas da aprendizagem e do cérebro fascinantes. Desde que fui mãe, esse tema passou a ter um apelo mais prático e particular do que nunca. Este não foi um livro que planeei ler com antecedência ou do qual tivesse conhecimento prévio. Ao terminar um longo livro que concluiu umas das minhas trilogias favoritas de fantasia, não me estava a apetecer entrar logo noutra leitura do género. Como tinha visto um vídeo que falava sobre questões de neurociência e educação e estava com vontade de saber mais, fiz uma pesquisa por estes temas e dentre os resultados que me apareceram, este foi o livro que me suscitou mais interesse.
É um livro que pretende responder, explicando de forma simples as experiências e trabalhos científicos que corroboram cada ideia, o que podem fazer os pais ou cuidadores de bebés e crianças com menos de 3 anos para potenciar a sua aprendizagem de forma ideal. Os principais temas de destaque são A) a atenção (capacidade de captar a atenção da criança de forma a que esta possa absorver informação), B) a ligação afectiva (em inglês bonding) e por último C) a comunicação (formando assim em inglês as letras ABC para destaque e mais fácil memorização).
Não foi uma leitura que me deixou completamente cativada e fascinada (como foi o caso do Quiet ou do The Invisible Gorilla), porém penso que cumpre satisfatoriamente aquilo a que se propõe.
(+) Dois pontos interessantes a seu favor são:
1) a experiência pessoal da autora que lhe dá uma perspectiva única, pois além de cientista é mãe e a filha mais velha nasceu bastante prematura o que trouxe sérios problemas ao seu desenvolvimento;
2) a existência dos conselhos e sugestões bastante práticos que a autora procura dar sobre como implementar na realidade do dia-a-dia as orientações mais gerais.
(-) Como aspectos menos positivos destaco:
1) Realidade americana: não é um defeito do livro mas é uma menos-valia para mim, ou algo que não me permite compreender tão bem, identificar-me tanto e praticar directamente algumas situações;
2) Apesar de sugerir formas concretas de pôr em prática algumas brincadeiras, confesso que ao terminar cada secção não senti grande vontade de as pôr em prática;
3) É um pouco repetitivo;
4) O que diz é interessante, porém para mim não disse nada de muito novo. Claro que aprendi bastante, não sabia de experiências específicas por trás de alguns conceitos nem tenho grande noção de como está estruturado o cérebro, contudo as ideias em si são um pouco senso comum para pessoas interessadas por estes assuntos e que procuram estar informadas sobre os temas da educação.
Em suma, é um livro interessante e satisfatório para tem interesse pelo tema.
Sempre achei as temáticas da aprendizagem e do cérebro fascinantes. Desde que fui mãe, esse tema passou a ter um apelo mais prático e particular do que nunca. Este não foi um livro que planeei ler com antecedência ou do qual tivesse conhecimento prévio. Ao terminar um longo livro que concluiu umas das minhas trilogias favoritas de fantasia, não me estava a apetecer entrar logo noutra leitura do género. Como tinha visto um vídeo que falava sobre questões de neurociência e educação e estava com vontade de saber mais, fiz uma pesquisa por estes temas e dentre os resultados que me apareceram, este foi o livro que me suscitou mais interesse.
É um livro que pretende responder, explicando de forma simples as experiências e trabalhos científicos que corroboram cada ideia, o que podem fazer os pais ou cuidadores de bebés e crianças com menos de 3 anos para potenciar a sua aprendizagem de forma ideal. Os principais temas de destaque são A) a atenção (capacidade de captar a atenção da criança de forma a que esta possa absorver informação), B) a ligação afectiva (em inglês bonding) e por último C) a comunicação (formando assim em inglês as letras ABC para destaque e mais fácil memorização).
Não foi uma leitura que me deixou completamente cativada e fascinada (como foi o caso do Quiet ou do The Invisible Gorilla), porém penso que cumpre satisfatoriamente aquilo a que se propõe.
(+) Dois pontos interessantes a seu favor são:
1) a experiência pessoal da autora que lhe dá uma perspectiva única, pois além de cientista é mãe e a filha mais velha nasceu bastante prematura o que trouxe sérios problemas ao seu desenvolvimento;
2) a existência dos conselhos e sugestões bastante práticos que a autora procura dar sobre como implementar na realidade do dia-a-dia as orientações mais gerais.
(-) Como aspectos menos positivos destaco:
1) Realidade americana: não é um defeito do livro mas é uma menos-valia para mim, ou algo que não me permite compreender tão bem, identificar-me tanto e praticar directamente algumas situações;
2) Apesar de sugerir formas concretas de pôr em prática algumas brincadeiras, confesso que ao terminar cada secção não senti grande vontade de as pôr em prática;
3) É um pouco repetitivo;
4) O que diz é interessante, porém para mim não disse nada de muito novo. Claro que aprendi bastante, não sabia de experiências específicas por trás de alguns conceitos nem tenho grande noção de como está estruturado o cérebro, contudo as ideias em si são um pouco senso comum para pessoas interessadas por estes assuntos e que procuram estar informadas sobre os temas da educação.
Em suma, é um livro interessante e satisfatório para tem interesse pelo tema.
October 14, 2016
In short, this is the best book on nurturing infants/toddlers I have read so far: clear, focused, scientifically sound and practical.
The book focuses on how to interact with infants/toddlers from birth to 3 years old to help them develop healthy brains and lay down foundations for later developments (in school, etc), based on research on human brains. The authors advocate early support focusing on 3 main objectives: Attention (help the kids to concentrate deeply), Bonding (emotional interaction and support) and Communication (language). These reflect a healthy brain and are the keys for later success in life.
Many, not all, arguments in the book have scientific evidences, although there still is some degree of speculation and extrapolation. The main goal of the methods suggested in the book is to activate different regions of the brain, thus help the brain exercise and grow. Among books on child nurturing, most of which are speculative, this book is a rare one that has strong scientific supports. The main author, Dr. Stamm, had her best motivation researching ways to develop children's mind because of her unfortunate prematurely born daughter.
I really like the way the book was written. It defines its subject, kids 0-3 years old, clearly from the beginning, even at the front page. It focuses only on brain development, and the 3 key ingredients (attention, bonding, communication), unlike the majority of books on the same topic which cover all aspects of human life (and therefore usually overclaim). The authors first explain why that ingredient matters, then a bit into details and finally suggest several simple activities to help the kids to improve that ingredient.
Many practical advices can be found in the book, such as how to choose a day-care service, what toys to buy, how much TV or music kids should be exposed to, etc. Sometimes the authors go too much details that they even list recommended book titles! Be cautious that most recommended activities, books or toys are not science-backed. They are simply the authors' preferences.
It is worth mentioning where the books leave off. Again, the main objective is a healthy brain which is the foundation but doesn't guarantee a success in life. The authors limit their subject to kids 0-3 years old, which is suitable for their purpose. For kids above that age, they have to deal with (pre)schools, disciplines, relationship, cultures, etc., so parents are encouraged to look into other books on child education.
The book focuses on how to interact with infants/toddlers from birth to 3 years old to help them develop healthy brains and lay down foundations for later developments (in school, etc), based on research on human brains. The authors advocate early support focusing on 3 main objectives: Attention (help the kids to concentrate deeply), Bonding (emotional interaction and support) and Communication (language). These reflect a healthy brain and are the keys for later success in life.
Many, not all, arguments in the book have scientific evidences, although there still is some degree of speculation and extrapolation. The main goal of the methods suggested in the book is to activate different regions of the brain, thus help the brain exercise and grow. Among books on child nurturing, most of which are speculative, this book is a rare one that has strong scientific supports. The main author, Dr. Stamm, had her best motivation researching ways to develop children's mind because of her unfortunate prematurely born daughter.
I really like the way the book was written. It defines its subject, kids 0-3 years old, clearly from the beginning, even at the front page. It focuses only on brain development, and the 3 key ingredients (attention, bonding, communication), unlike the majority of books on the same topic which cover all aspects of human life (and therefore usually overclaim). The authors first explain why that ingredient matters, then a bit into details and finally suggest several simple activities to help the kids to improve that ingredient.
Many practical advices can be found in the book, such as how to choose a day-care service, what toys to buy, how much TV or music kids should be exposed to, etc. Sometimes the authors go too much details that they even list recommended book titles! Be cautious that most recommended activities, books or toys are not science-backed. They are simply the authors' preferences.
It is worth mentioning where the books leave off. Again, the main objective is a healthy brain which is the foundation but doesn't guarantee a success in life. The authors limit their subject to kids 0-3 years old, which is suitable for their purpose. For kids above that age, they have to deal with (pre)schools, disciplines, relationship, cultures, etc., so parents are encouraged to look into other books on child education.
March 28, 2016
Probably I shouldn't have read this right after reading Developing Young Minds and The Scientist in the Crib because it had a lot of similar material. Still worth a read though, and I really appreciated Stamm's willingness to talk about her experiences raising a special needs child and how this forced her to think outside the box in terms of what would stimulate her daughter and help her learn basic concepts.
Stamm emphasizes three core areas of development that children need in order to thrive - attention, bonding, and communication. I liked the fact that she made sure that each activity she suggested didn't require expensive toys or equipment - that in fact, parents are a child's first toy, and that simply spending time with a parent who talks to them, sings to them, and reads to them is the most important stimulation that a child can have.
Stamm also emphasizes that as they grow, simple things around the house like socks, pots and pans, chalk and a driveway or footpath, flowers, stones, and leaves in the yard are often much more fun and educational that the latest high tech toy or DVD. She's quite frank about how television and other screen time can damage a child's attention and cognitive processing before the age of two, but also recognizes that sometimes parents just need 20 mins for a shower or a phone call and that the occasional viewing of Blue's Clues or The Wiggles isn't going to prevent your kid from growing normally.
She quite effectively debunks the idea that listening to music will make your child a genius. Learning a musical instrument actually does seem to have significant cognitive benefits (increased hand-eye coordination, for example), but generally she's a big proponent of the idea that music should be one of life's great joys, rather than a way to make sure your kid gets into Harvard.
Stamm emphasizes three core areas of development that children need in order to thrive - attention, bonding, and communication. I liked the fact that she made sure that each activity she suggested didn't require expensive toys or equipment - that in fact, parents are a child's first toy, and that simply spending time with a parent who talks to them, sings to them, and reads to them is the most important stimulation that a child can have.
Stamm also emphasizes that as they grow, simple things around the house like socks, pots and pans, chalk and a driveway or footpath, flowers, stones, and leaves in the yard are often much more fun and educational that the latest high tech toy or DVD. She's quite frank about how television and other screen time can damage a child's attention and cognitive processing before the age of two, but also recognizes that sometimes parents just need 20 mins for a shower or a phone call and that the occasional viewing of Blue's Clues or The Wiggles isn't going to prevent your kid from growing normally.
She quite effectively debunks the idea that listening to music will make your child a genius. Learning a musical instrument actually does seem to have significant cognitive benefits (increased hand-eye coordination, for example), but generally she's a big proponent of the idea that music should be one of life's great joys, rather than a way to make sure your kid gets into Harvard.
February 3, 2013
I don't really know if I learned anything new, but this book did a good job reinforcing some basic parenting skills from a scientific perspective.
Likes: Easy to understand. While the science is there, it's not too hard (or boring) to follow.
- I really liked the personal anecdotes about her own daughters. It's nice to hear from the mom and researcher.
- The suggestions she has for simple activities to work on you kid's attention, bond and communication ( ABC's).
- She does a nice job of not making you feel guilty about decisions (or mistakes) you've made.
- That she keeps it simple. That parents don't have to buy into all the hype about the latest Baby Einstien toy or video.
Dislikes: Got a tiny bit annoyed by the references to her own institution and favorite products.
Favorite Quote: "The simple fact that you're reading this information indicates that you're probably the kind of parent who cares deeply about your child and are naturally providing attentive love necessary to build secure attachments." :)
Likes: Easy to understand. While the science is there, it's not too hard (or boring) to follow.
- I really liked the personal anecdotes about her own daughters. It's nice to hear from the mom and researcher.
- The suggestions she has for simple activities to work on you kid's attention, bond and communication ( ABC's).
- She does a nice job of not making you feel guilty about decisions (or mistakes) you've made.
- That she keeps it simple. That parents don't have to buy into all the hype about the latest Baby Einstien toy or video.
Dislikes: Got a tiny bit annoyed by the references to her own institution and favorite products.
Favorite Quote: "The simple fact that you're reading this information indicates that you're probably the kind of parent who cares deeply about your child and are naturally providing attentive love necessary to build secure attachments." :)
May 25, 2011
The best thing about this book is that the author dispels myths and doesn't propagate the hype for a lot of consumer products. She uses scientific evidence to discuss why certain things encourage the brain to develop. Most of her suggestions are common sense, but I like someone spelling it out because not everything comes naturally to me. This book may also reassure parents that they're already (or can simply start) encouraging their child's development.
April 26, 2018
Great introduction to child development for new parents. The book accomplished what it promised it would for me: it separated fact from fiction. I appreciated that the author made suggestions for activities that any parent of any means could provide, not high-cost (financially or otherwise), radical recommendations. I also liked her focus on what parents should be doing at every age for their child, vs what a child "should" be able to do at a particular age.
June 12, 2009
As a teacher and a mom-to-be, I think this book is right on with its tone about child development. The writer had both a "normal" daughter and one with cerebral palsey, so she was particularly sensitive to developmental milestones, encouraging parents to focus on what they can do rather what the child "should" be doing. I highly recommend this one.
September 13, 2013
This is a fascinating book, the science of infant to preschooler learning. So far it's confirming things I've sensed, such as why TV is detrimental to a developing mind, and how responding to a crying baby is good, but there is so much more. It's got a lot about the consequences in later life behavior due to early life experiences.
August 19, 2017
I read this as part of a teacher training in 2011 & said "Interesting from a research perspective, and provides lots of good information. But definitely more for parents than for educators."
Now that I'm about to be a parent I'm so glad I re-read it! Super informative, readable, relatable & useful!
Now that I'm about to be a parent I'm so glad I re-read it! Super informative, readable, relatable & useful!
August 29, 2016
I highly recommend this book to parents and professionals in the field of early childhood education. The evidence based information and the practical suggestions (to enhance cognitive development in young children) makes this book a unique one!
July 28, 2019
There’s plenty of good advice but the way things are phrased just make me feel like a bad parent. Being a new parent is rough especially when you don’t have experience with babies and I feel like she could have left out the more judgy bits/phrasing (which is frequent).
October 16, 2013
a little boring but the information in it was great and researched-based. buyer beware, this will convince of you no screen time for your little one!
September 21, 2016
I started reading it soon after my niece was born. I haven't got around finishing it. I liked what I read. I may pick it up later but unlikely to go through the whole book.
December 28, 2015
This is a simpler version of Superbaby.
September 19, 2017
I listened to the audible version. This book was informative. Some of the information overlapped with other books like Brain Rules for Baby. It stresses the same concepts. 0-2 is a very critical again where most of the wiring is done in the brain. The babies at this stage need love, bonding, security, attention. Investing in high quality care is very important unlike what most people do when they invest in expensive preschools and not care so much about this early stage. Read/talk to your baby. No screen time for 0-2. Give your baby some downtime to do their own play and you can’t spoil an infant!
Some notes from my listening:
4 Playtime
- Crawling is important. It is a proof that the baby learned how to coordinate their left and right systems
5 Screentime
- Screen time before she 2 is correlated with ADHD and even weight gain.
- There is no scientific evidence for any benefits from screen time.
6 Downtime
- Downtime is needed and helps brain development, feeds creativity & aids memory.
7 attention activities
- Reading Books
- Mirrors
- Puppet Play
- Peekaboo (teaches baby if object disappears it doesn't mean it doesn't exist)
- Cheerios Book
8 Bonding
- Bonding is very critical to her baby's development. They need to connect to their parents.
- Responding consistently to the baby builds trust.
- Leaving the baby crying for prolonged periods will lead to stress and eventually the baby losing hope and shutting down. This will have long term negative effects like lower attention ability and lower IQs.
9 Responsive Care
- You can't spoil an infant.
- Given boundaries gradually (you can choose one toy, you can choose between a or b, etc)
- Learn your baby's language and temperment.
- Make consistent routines.
- Make rituals. Celebrate holidays with your baby. Make your own rituals/traditions for your family. Your kids will look forward to them. It will be rewarding. (Could be as simple as making pancakes every Sunday morning, wearing specials pajamas every Saturday).
10 Hands on Care
- Physical constant is very critical.
11 Child Care
- One person is better than a team. Baby needs to bond with the same person.
- AAP recommends 1:3 ratio from birth to 15 months.
- Minimal turnover. Child care centers don't pay a lot and this leads to high turnover.
- Make sure you have the same caregiver and not one in the morning and another in the afternoon and so on.
- Spending a lot of money on quality birth-2 care giver is way more important than spending this money on expensive preschools.
- Interview the caregiver. Make sure they are open to ideas and the latest research on child development.
- By age 2, most of the brain wiring is done. Your baby is ready for more action/social interaction with other kids.
12 Bonds builders your little ones love
- Your baby needs to feel secure to develop.
- Books about the love between kids and parents (hugs and kisses, I love you as much, mommy loves baby).
13 Communcation
- Communcation is an interactive process. Listening to a tape or watching a video doesn't teach babies.
14 Everyday Talk
- Just talk to your baby, that's all you need.
- More words spoken at home linked to higher IQs (let's eat vs mommy is hungry, let's eat lunch, let's see what we have .. etc).
- Parentee talk is very good.
- Babies need repetition. Repeat words.
- Ask questions. What is the kitty doing? Kitty is eating. Repeat.
- Learning more than one language is always beneficial and is easier before age 3 but it is not required and you don't need to invest in it especially when it's not going to be used later on.
15 Everyday Reading
- Read for short times everyday.
- Making reading interactive. Ask questions.
- Make books accessible to your baby.
- Books: 6-18 months. Brown Bear what do you see, I love colors by millers, Happy Colors, 2001, Little blue and little yellow, Baby brain box touch and play, baby animals, That's not my teddy, night night baby, baby faces miller, buster's bed time, going to bed book, where's baby's mommy, wheels on the bus?, ... many many more need to listen again to this part
16 Everyday Music
- Listening to classical music isn't proven to do anything. Practicing music on the other hand might have something to do with boosting IQ. Studies still pending.
- Sing to your child.
- Imitate sounds to your child.
- Create songs together.
- Musical lessons for older toddlers. Don't do it if they don't enjoy it or if you can't afford it.
17 Communication Builders
- Socks with rattles for infants
- Books with rhymes. Singing to your baby
- Peekaboo
- Comparing colors for baby (6-18m)
- Record baby and show it to baby.
- Read books. slow down to give baby a chance to respond.
- Make a sequence of beans, ask your child to make the same sequence.
- More for toddler level, need to re-listen to this part later.
Some notes from my listening:
4 Playtime
- Crawling is important. It is a proof that the baby learned how to coordinate their left and right systems
5 Screentime
- Screen time before she 2 is correlated with ADHD and even weight gain.
- There is no scientific evidence for any benefits from screen time.
6 Downtime
- Downtime is needed and helps brain development, feeds creativity & aids memory.
7 attention activities
- Reading Books
- Mirrors
- Puppet Play
- Peekaboo (teaches baby if object disappears it doesn't mean it doesn't exist)
- Cheerios Book
8 Bonding
- Bonding is very critical to her baby's development. They need to connect to their parents.
- Responding consistently to the baby builds trust.
- Leaving the baby crying for prolonged periods will lead to stress and eventually the baby losing hope and shutting down. This will have long term negative effects like lower attention ability and lower IQs.
9 Responsive Care
- You can't spoil an infant.
- Given boundaries gradually (you can choose one toy, you can choose between a or b, etc)
- Learn your baby's language and temperment.
- Make consistent routines.
- Make rituals. Celebrate holidays with your baby. Make your own rituals/traditions for your family. Your kids will look forward to them. It will be rewarding. (Could be as simple as making pancakes every Sunday morning, wearing specials pajamas every Saturday).
10 Hands on Care
- Physical constant is very critical.
11 Child Care
- One person is better than a team. Baby needs to bond with the same person.
- AAP recommends 1:3 ratio from birth to 15 months.
- Minimal turnover. Child care centers don't pay a lot and this leads to high turnover.
- Make sure you have the same caregiver and not one in the morning and another in the afternoon and so on.
- Spending a lot of money on quality birth-2 care giver is way more important than spending this money on expensive preschools.
- Interview the caregiver. Make sure they are open to ideas and the latest research on child development.
- By age 2, most of the brain wiring is done. Your baby is ready for more action/social interaction with other kids.
12 Bonds builders your little ones love
- Your baby needs to feel secure to develop.
- Books about the love between kids and parents (hugs and kisses, I love you as much, mommy loves baby).
13 Communcation
- Communcation is an interactive process. Listening to a tape or watching a video doesn't teach babies.
14 Everyday Talk
- Just talk to your baby, that's all you need.
- More words spoken at home linked to higher IQs (let's eat vs mommy is hungry, let's eat lunch, let's see what we have .. etc).
- Parentee talk is very good.
- Babies need repetition. Repeat words.
- Ask questions. What is the kitty doing? Kitty is eating. Repeat.
- Learning more than one language is always beneficial and is easier before age 3 but it is not required and you don't need to invest in it especially when it's not going to be used later on.
15 Everyday Reading
- Read for short times everyday.
- Making reading interactive. Ask questions.
- Make books accessible to your baby.
- Books: 6-18 months. Brown Bear what do you see, I love colors by millers, Happy Colors, 2001, Little blue and little yellow, Baby brain box touch and play, baby animals, That's not my teddy, night night baby, baby faces miller, buster's bed time, going to bed book, where's baby's mommy, wheels on the bus?, ... many many more need to listen again to this part
16 Everyday Music
- Listening to classical music isn't proven to do anything. Practicing music on the other hand might have something to do with boosting IQ. Studies still pending.
- Sing to your child.
- Imitate sounds to your child.
- Create songs together.
- Musical lessons for older toddlers. Don't do it if they don't enjoy it or if you can't afford it.
17 Communication Builders
- Socks with rattles for infants
- Books with rhymes. Singing to your baby
- Peekaboo
- Comparing colors for baby (6-18m)
- Record baby and show it to baby.
- Read books. slow down to give baby a chance to respond.
- Make a sequence of beans, ask your child to make the same sequence.
- More for toddler level, need to re-listen to this part later.
December 27, 2023
I attended a lecture by Jill Stamm at my daughters baby music class studio with two of my employees from work. As a parent and as a teacher I was blown away by how much information Dr. Stamm packed into the short lecture and have been thinking about many of the points she brought up since. I grabbed a copy of this book at the lecture and I'm so glad I did.
The insights in this book are so helpful and useful, and I learned SO MUCH. This is 100% my style of "parenting" advice books too- evidence based, non judgmental, with backup and examples on what to do.
It is also really comforting to know/ read that a lot of the methods Stamm suggest heavily align with Montessori practices/principals.
The part about the difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding from a brain scientist perspective BLEW ME AWAY. Ok I'm being dramatic, but I also have literally told everyone I know about what's in this book.
Highly recommend to any parents out there, or teachers/caregivers to young children. Even if you have a billions years of experience, the different perspectives are worth it (event if the book is a littleeeeeee dated now- its still all relevant.)
The insights in this book are so helpful and useful, and I learned SO MUCH. This is 100% my style of "parenting" advice books too- evidence based, non judgmental, with backup and examples on what to do.
It is also really comforting to know/ read that a lot of the methods Stamm suggest heavily align with Montessori practices/principals.
The part about the difference between breastfeeding and formula feeding from a brain scientist perspective BLEW ME AWAY. Ok I'm being dramatic, but I also have literally told everyone I know about what's in this book.
Highly recommend to any parents out there, or teachers/caregivers to young children. Even if you have a billions years of experience, the different perspectives are worth it (event if the book is a littleeeeeee dated now- its still all relevant.)
January 18, 2018
It is hard to read that you need to be more engaged with your child. You need to be present. You need to be loving through words and touch. You could really do better. What is good? That it is never too late. This author has a daughter who was born a preemie. She also missed a few milestones with her own daughter and this helps her to be sympathetic to those who missed the mark. Her words make sense and I want to read this book again at some point. My baby just turned 5 months and my oldest is ... well, 13 years old. I too missed it.
November 21, 2023
Some of this book felt a little bit redundant. It is a little older than I would’ve liked, but even so, I found it helpful.
Two ideas that stuck out:
- eyes and body parts that cross the midline (across the middle of the body) can help develop the corpus collosum, which improves brain development.
- babies that hear more spoken words have greater IQ scores later in life regardless of SES, whether they’re sung or spoken. Narrate everything!
- Attachment and social learning seem to more important/influential than gene predisposition itself.
Additional notes and highlights: https://www.notion.so/jordanhepler/Br...
Two ideas that stuck out:
- eyes and body parts that cross the midline (across the middle of the body) can help develop the corpus collosum, which improves brain development.
- babies that hear more spoken words have greater IQ scores later in life regardless of SES, whether they’re sung or spoken. Narrate everything!
- Attachment and social learning seem to more important/influential than gene predisposition itself.
Additional notes and highlights: https://www.notion.so/jordanhepler/Br...
May 8, 2017
Though backed by science, this user-friendly guide to your child's brain development is easy to read, insightful, and informative. Don't be intimidated. You don't need fancy degrees or costly gadgets to foster your baby's mind. Many of the suggested activities might be second nature to some of us, but for others, this reference is great to have around. (Only 3 stars because I was already familiar with much of this.)
November 10, 2017
If you like a lot of technical, scientific facts and figures about the brains of babies and want to know all about the research behind it, then this is the book for you. I can never remember all of that and honed in on the promised "simple" way instead, but it was much too simple. Like, did you know that children can learn to like reading? I'm sure there is a right audience for this book, but it just didn't click with me.
January 4, 2020
A lot of this is common sense, especially if you've ever studied psychology or development. The book is structured around ABCs: Attention, Bonding, and Communication. I liked the game ideas, and the placemat cue used to call your child's attention to something fun (and therefore increase the pleasure of paying attention). It also talks about how screen time affects the infant/toddler brain for the worse and damages attention spans.
September 15, 2020
Parenting techniques (backed up by scientific studies) for the first three years of a babies life with a focus on attention, bonding, and communication. There are actionable tips that parents can easily implement in every day life.
While reading the whole book would give you a good understanding of the science behind the reasoning, the chapters are formatted in such a way that you can skim and still gain valuable insight (I could see this being a plus for busy parents with a new baby!).
While reading the whole book would give you a good understanding of the science behind the reasoning, the chapters are formatted in such a way that you can skim and still gain valuable insight (I could see this being a plus for busy parents with a new baby!).
Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews