The Intuitive Parent

(Paperback)

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You already have everything you need to raise a healthy, happy, intelligent child. You already have everythingyou need to raise a healthy,happy, intelligent child Parenting today is practically a competitivesport, and marketers are all too happy to cashin. Scare tactics and scientific-sounding jargonmake it seem like parents are in constant dangerof hard-wiring their children's brains for failure. In fact, this state of parental anxiety is totallyunnecessary-and possibly bad for our children.Babies are born with an appetite to learn. Childrenare naturally curious about the world and eager toexplore it. They don't need flashcards, educationalvideos, or the latest iPad app to help speed theirdevelopment. Attempts to get children speakingand reading before they're developmentally readymay even harm them in the long run. In The Intuitive Parent, Vanderbilt Universitychild development specialist Dr. Stephen Camaratadebunks the claims many of these "braindevelopment" programs make. Using accessible,down-to-earth language he explains how parentscan intuitively support their child's brain developmentby simply paying attention. Babies andchildren develop at their own pace; what's more,they are hardwired to signal to caregivers whenthey're ready for the next step. Restrictive toolslike flashcards may derail your child's ability tolearn holistically-and will definitely sap the joyfrom one of the most important jobs in the world-being a parent. The key is to recognize the "ready to learn"cues your child is giving you and respond in away that comes naturally. Routine activities, suchas playing peekaboo, reading books to a toddler,talking, singing, feeding, and otherwise meetingthe everyday needs of a child, are the true magicthat ultimately wires a child's brain and helps childrenbecome an intelligent, confident, curious,and talented adults. Grounded in the latest science by a nationallyrecognized child development expert, The IntuitiveParent arms parents and caregivers with the confidenceand knowledge they need to quit worryingand enjoy the time they have with their child-nofancy gadgets or pricey videos necessary.

Reviews

Stephen Camarata is the worlds expert on late-talking children, and one ofthe worlds experts on cognitive and social disorders of childhood. In additionto being a distinguished researcher, Camarata is known for his judicious evaluationsof diagnoses and treatments of childhood disorders, many of whichare closer to snake oil than solid science. In The Intuitive Parent Camaratamixes scientific judgment with common sense and a humane concern for thewell-being of children and their terrified parents. This book is guaranteed toimprove the welfare of children, protect the sanity (and wallets) of parents, andinfuriate the quacks who prey on them.
Steven Pinker, professor of psychology, Harvard University;author of The Better Angels of Our Nature

In The Intuitive Parent, Dr. Camarata tells you to trust your judgment and dowhat comes naturallyintuitivelyas a parent. As a pediatrician and a parent,I know it is important to do what he says: relax and answer your childs amazingquestions. Not only is it fun, but as Dr. Camarata explains so well, you areassisting healthy brain development.
Dr. Ed McCabe, senior vice president andchief medical officer, March of Dimes

Stephen Camarata, PhD and father of seven, has two important messages forworried parents: follow your childs lead and enjoy the moment. This book isa welcome antidote to flashcards and tutors for two year olds.
Erika Hoff, PhD, professor of psychology, Florida Atlantic University;author of Language Development

Author Bio

STEPHEN M. CAMARATA, PhD has raised seven children and isa professor in the departmentof psychiatry and a professor ofhearing and speech sciencesat Vanderbilt University Schoolof Medicine. He is also an associate professor ofspecial education at Peabody College at Vanderbiltand the author of Late-Talking Children. Helives in Nashville, Tennessee. From the Hardcover edition.