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The Psychology of Babies
Invaluable new guide for parents, students and professionals, from an internationally recognized expert in child development.
An instructive and accessible account of the psychological development of children aged 0-2 years and how it can be supported by social relationships.
The first two years are critical in a child’s development, influencing what happens in later childhood and even adulthood. Yet how best to support that early development is not always easy to grasp. Now help is at hand with this expert guide on the care of children through these essential years.
Based on the latest research, with its wealth of picture sequences and clear explanations, this book shows how the development of young children’s social understanding, attachments, self-control and intelligence can be supported through their relationships.
An instructive and accessible account of the psychological development of children aged 0-2 years and how it can be supported by social relationships.
The first two years are critical in a child’s development, influencing what happens in later childhood and even adulthood. Yet how best to support that early development is not always easy to grasp. Now help is at hand with this expert guide on the care of children through these essential years.
Based on the latest research, with its wealth of picture sequences and clear explanations, this book shows how the development of young children’s social understanding, attachments, self-control and intelligence can be supported through their relationships.
ebook
First published June 1, 2014
About the author
Lynne Murray
8 books3 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Lynne Murray is a Professor in Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Reading.
Her work has focused on the effects of maternal psychiatric disorder on the developing child. In particular she has studied the development of
children of postnatally depressed mothers, and children of mothers with anxiety disorder.
She did her studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Lynne Murray is a Professor in Developmental Psychopathology at the University of Reading.
Her work has focused on the effects of maternal psychiatric disorder on the developing child. In particular she has studied the development of
children of postnatally depressed mothers, and children of mothers with anxiety disorder.
She did her studies at the University of Edinburgh.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 14, 2021
This is an excellent child psychology book, that has a strong foundation in science and proper methodology. Lynne Murray has done quite well in creating a framework that works for most people with plenty of picture sequences and a clear written language, and at the end of each chapter, summarizes the main and key points.
Its useful for the majority of most new parents, first timers as well as parents having their second or even third child. I'm certain something new can be learnt. At no time did I feel concerned about my own newly born since the book at no time points at what week babies have to have be able to do certain things, as the focus is much more on the interaction with the particular child and relationship that parent-child has.
The many picture sequences work quite well, often showing interaction between baby and other actor/actant, such as parent, stranger, toys, etc. The text follows up quite often with some further insigts to the sequence. The inner lives of babies are subtle and once one gets to figure out the small minor signals that a baby sometimes can have, it will increase your intuition/knowledge towards your baby significantly.
This book is a solid foundation for the early years of child development, and one I can recommend to most new parents, especially if you are starting from scratch, with no prior knowledge, and even before a baby is born. Once you've realized some of the key points of the book, you will realize how even the subtleties in your own behavior can affect a baby both negatively as well as positively, so that is something to be mindful of. 4/5
Its useful for the majority of most new parents, first timers as well as parents having their second or even third child. I'm certain something new can be learnt. At no time did I feel concerned about my own newly born since the book at no time points at what week babies have to have be able to do certain things, as the focus is much more on the interaction with the particular child and relationship that parent-child has.
The many picture sequences work quite well, often showing interaction between baby and other actor/actant, such as parent, stranger, toys, etc. The text follows up quite often with some further insigts to the sequence. The inner lives of babies are subtle and once one gets to figure out the small minor signals that a baby sometimes can have, it will increase your intuition/knowledge towards your baby significantly.
This book is a solid foundation for the early years of child development, and one I can recommend to most new parents, especially if you are starting from scratch, with no prior knowledge, and even before a baby is born. Once you've realized some of the key points of the book, you will realize how even the subtleties in your own behavior can affect a baby both negatively as well as positively, so that is something to be mindful of. 4/5
November 11, 2020
There's unquestionably excellent research that has gone into this book, but the format does feel a little confused. It's scientific but has no references, and it's an advisory parenting book but with no concrete or specific suggestions for parents other than "be a sensitive parent" and "read books". Personally I found that it was quite difficult to read in the sense that it makes you wonder if you've been doing things "wrong" but doesn't then equip you with the necessary tools to put it right.
November 29, 2017
In italiano come "Le prime relazioni del bambino", pubblicato da Raffaello Cortina Editori.
Un libro bellissimo e utilissimo che, nonostante il linguaggio semplice e diretto, fa riferimento a teorie pedagogiche e psicologiche autorevoli. Penso che ogni neo genitore dovrebbe leggerlo: è una guida per capire i comportamenti dei propri figli; un sostegno per crescere ed educare al meglio il proprio bambino; un aiuto per diventare più sensibili ai bisogni affettivi e cognitivi del bambino, nonché a comprendere meglio il suo universo. L'intuito del genitore è spesso corretto ma affiancare delle conoscenze di base può dare molte più soddisfazioni ed evitare situazioni che potrebbero rivelarsi spiacevoli.
Un libro bellissimo e utilissimo che, nonostante il linguaggio semplice e diretto, fa riferimento a teorie pedagogiche e psicologiche autorevoli. Penso che ogni neo genitore dovrebbe leggerlo: è una guida per capire i comportamenti dei propri figli; un sostegno per crescere ed educare al meglio il proprio bambino; un aiuto per diventare più sensibili ai bisogni affettivi e cognitivi del bambino, nonché a comprendere meglio il suo universo. L'intuito del genitore è spesso corretto ma affiancare delle conoscenze di base può dare molte più soddisfazioni ed evitare situazioni che potrebbero rivelarsi spiacevoli.
April 1, 2021
Using frame to frame analysis of footage of parent-child interactions, Professor Murray outlines ways to facilitate secure attachment, self-regulation, and cognitive development. A substantial amount of literature the book references is from the twenty-first century. It is both cogent and easy to follow. Five stars.
September 16, 2019
Not a bad book but everything could be summarised in a article.
December 12, 2019
I love the book... it is very informative and the pictures that are used frequently makes the data very clear and makes the whole thing heartmelting
April 19, 2022
A bit slow sometimes but very interesting for new parents
November 4, 2022
Excellent book!
June 30, 2020
A useful book that concentrates on the first two years, which are considered critical for later development of children. Something remarkable is that instead of addressing common childcare matters which have been tackled by many other books, Psychology of Babies addresses the communication issues between babies and other people. With the demonstration of detailed, clear-cut scientific evidence, it defines the influence of social interaction on four areas of child development: (1) Social understanding and cooperation; (2) The attachments between babies and their parents which will shape their bonds with others in later years; (3) Regulation and self-control skills; and (4) Cognitive abilities. For certain parents - especially in Asia - who take care of their babies' physical development carefully but neglect social interactions with them, this book is a must-read.
A strong point of the book is that despite its solid research basis, it does not come off as a heavy reading thanks to a variety of vivid illustrations and clever ways of citation - full citations are displayed in the index and in-text notes are presented according to the ordinal numbers of the paragraph or the line, instead of using footnotes or endnotes or elaborations in brackets, which makes the text more compact and clean. This way, general readers will not find the book too "academic" or feel distracted by the density of information, while the academic readers can still trace the sources of reference if they wish to.
A strong point of the book is that despite its solid research basis, it does not come off as a heavy reading thanks to a variety of vivid illustrations and clever ways of citation - full citations are displayed in the index and in-text notes are presented according to the ordinal numbers of the paragraph or the line, instead of using footnotes or endnotes or elaborations in brackets, which makes the text more compact and clean. This way, general readers will not find the book too "academic" or feel distracted by the density of information, while the academic readers can still trace the sources of reference if they wish to.
October 29, 2019
Infant development is a tricky thing to talk about for a few reasons. One is that most of what babies need is deceptively simple. In a high-tech, expert-driven world, the 'simple' answers seem incomplete and we quickly dismiss them. The second reason it is a tricky topic is that so much hinges on the interaction between parents and babies - and this is very, very hard to write about without preaching or blaming (which doesn't serve anyone).
With this text, Murray has managed to overcome both these challenges and has created a beautifully illustrated compendium. She has managed to make the very complex links between infant behaviour, communication, development and interaction amazingly accessible. Each section of the book illustrates how the simplest of things - touch, feeding, smiling - actually have profound consequences for early human development in ways that engage and respect the incredible work that parents do - not only for their own babies, but society as a whole.
With this text, Murray has managed to overcome both these challenges and has created a beautifully illustrated compendium. She has managed to make the very complex links between infant behaviour, communication, development and interaction amazingly accessible. Each section of the book illustrates how the simplest of things - touch, feeding, smiling - actually have profound consequences for early human development in ways that engage and respect the incredible work that parents do - not only for their own babies, but society as a whole.
August 27, 2014
This is an exceptional piece of parenting non fiction, crammed full of examples of the world from a babies point of view. Being a first time parent I am lacking in the experiences and skills to decipher what exactly a certain behaviour may mean. Lynne Murray has provided me with several fascinating insights into my growing child, and plentiful ways in which I can help him understand the world.
There is a good balance of biology and psychology, which suited my particularly scientific tendencies. Each chapter is full of insightful research, which enriches the reading experience. In all a fascinating and incredibly useful read with much to learn and put into practice.
There is a good balance of biology and psychology, which suited my particularly scientific tendencies. Each chapter is full of insightful research, which enriches the reading experience. In all a fascinating and incredibly useful read with much to learn and put into practice.
June 1, 2016
I found a review of this book in The New Scientist when I was pregnant with my daughter. There are a lot of books advertised to new mothers about pregnancy and delivery, but few that I felt I could rely upon for child development. This book was very accessible and has sat on my bedside table throughout the year. As Isla develops new skills I dip back into it as a reference to chart her progress. It have been a very valuable resource.
March 3, 2016
Lovely accessible book. Lots of photos clearly illustrating the everyday interactions between parent and baby that facilitate development. Good layout.
July 24, 2019
A must read book to understand how babies grow in relationships and how our behavior and interactions with them can help them learn and develop valuable skills.
January 19, 2018
All you really need to understand and deal with infants and toddlers. Everything is backed up by the most rigorous research.
Biggest takeaway come from our evolution:
- the idea that the brain is interested foremost in survival, not in learning, so without a sense of safety all other functions take a backseat
- the brain has a deep need for relating to other people,. Human learning in its most native state is primarily a relational exercise. There is no intelligence developed through the crucibles of cold machines, but only in the arms of loving people. The brain devotes a lot of real estate to processing faces.
Parents behaviour seen by a child will be copied unconsciously much later in life: you can break up but you should also make up in front of your child.
Empathy works because it does not require a solution. It requires only understanding. Practice empathy reflex.
Emotional regulation predicts cognitive performance better than IQ tests. It's developed through labelling emotions
We often make a distinction between organised hard thinking, like math, and disorganised squishy emoting. But from a brain point of view, like an ECG, you can't tell them apart. Research shows, without emotions, we become unable to take decisions.
Biggest takeaway come from our evolution:
- the idea that the brain is interested foremost in survival, not in learning, so without a sense of safety all other functions take a backseat
- the brain has a deep need for relating to other people,. Human learning in its most native state is primarily a relational exercise. There is no intelligence developed through the crucibles of cold machines, but only in the arms of loving people. The brain devotes a lot of real estate to processing faces.
Parents behaviour seen by a child will be copied unconsciously much later in life: you can break up but you should also make up in front of your child.
Empathy works because it does not require a solution. It requires only understanding. Practice empathy reflex.
Emotional regulation predicts cognitive performance better than IQ tests. It's developed through labelling emotions
We often make a distinction between organised hard thinking, like math, and disorganised squishy emoting. But from a brain point of view, like an ECG, you can't tell them apart. Research shows, without emotions, we become unable to take decisions.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews