Kepler's 2020 Project in the News:
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In the
interest of full disclosure: I'm not a parent and have no plans to be one
(unless being a "pet parent" counts). But once I started skimming this book, I
couldn't put it down until I finished it a few hours later. From why "gifted"
tests don't work on kindergartners to why explicit discussions of race are the
key to raising non-racist children, NurtureShock both explodes closely held
myths about raising children and supports common sense beliefs with scientific
studies. Did you always think lack of sleep was hurting high schoolers? You were
right, and more than you knew! Children across the board are sleeping on average
an hour less than they did 30 years ago, and losing that hour is exponentially
worse for them than it is for adults. Ever wonder why, with all the praise
heaped upon them, the current generation of kids isn't supremely self-confident?
The authors explain that non-specific praise for being smart--rather than for
putting forth a great effort--actually produces underachieving kids who think
trying hard will prove that they're NOT smart. One of the most fascinating
topics NurtureShock covers is why babies start talking when they do. Here's a
hint: Baby Einstein isn't helping! In fact, it's interaction with real
people--the more feedback a baby gets for babbling, the more sophisticated that
babble becomes. If you don't have kids, this book might blow your mind about
your own growing up. If you do have kids, this book might change your whole way
of thinking. --Colt R.
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