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The Whole-Brain Child

12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

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The Whole-Brain Child

Written by: Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Tina Payne Bryson
Narrated by: Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Tina Payne Bryson
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About this listen

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • More than 1 million copies in print! • The authors of No-Drama Discipline and The Yes Brain explain the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures in this pioneering, practical book.

“Simple, smart, and effective solutions to your child’s struggles.”—Harvey Karp, M.D.

In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain—and make accessible—the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth.

Complete with age-appropriate strategies for dealing with day-to-day struggles, The Whole-Brain Child shows you how to cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that your children can lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives.

“[A] useful child-rearing resource for the entire family . . . The authors include a fair amount of brain science, but they present it for both adult and child audiences.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Strategies for getting a youngster to chill out [with] compassion.”—The Washington Post

“This erudite, tender, and funny book is filled with fresh ideas based on the latest neuroscience research. I urge all parents who want kind, happy, and emotionally healthy kids to read The Whole-Brain Child. This is my new baby gift.”—Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of Reviving Ophelia and The Shelter of Each Other

“Gives parents and teachers ideas to get all parts of a healthy child’s brain working together.”—Parent to Parent

©2011 Mind Your Brain, Inc., and Tina Payne Bryson, Inc. (P)2022 Random House Audio
Parenting & Families Psychology Relationships Human Brain Funny Physical Exercise Child Development
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What the critics say

“Siegel and Bryson reveal that an integrated brain with parts that cooperate in a coordinated and balanced manner creates a better understanding of self, stronger relationships, and success in school, among other benefits. With illustrations, charts, and even a handy ‘Refrigerator Sheet,’ the authors have made every effort to make brain science parent-friendly.”—Publishers Weekly

“Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson have created a masterful, reader-friendly guide to helping children grow their emotional intelligence. This brilliant method transforms everyday interactions into valuable brain-shaping moments. Anyone who cares for children—or who loves a child—should read The Whole-Brain Child.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

“Fears? Fights? Frustrations? Help is here! Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson turn leading brain science into simple, smart—and effective—solutions to your child's struggles.”—Harvey Karp, M.D., bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block

What listeners say about The Whole-Brain Child

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A must read!

So well written and read. Very informative and not dry at all. It’s something I’ll definitely read over and over again for myself and for parenting my child.

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A must listen for all parents!

This book is so insightful and easy to understand. It makes so much sense and takes the job of parenthood from a maze of uncertainty and worry that you’re going to make constant mistakes with your kids that will scar them in some way for life to a place where you can understand how to connect and communicate with them in real and meaningful ways. It was a game changer for me and my little 3 year old is all the better for me having listened to this book. We are thriving as mother and daughter and it is amazing. Thank you Daniel Siegel and Tina.
The only reason it got 4 stars on performance was I found Tina a bit stiff in her reading. You could tell she was just reading along but Daniel on the other hand was great! It made it sound like he was next to you just having a comfortable conversation. It was much more natural and fluid and easy to take in. But the information is gold! A must listen!

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Life changing!

I loved every page of this book. I’m starving for more info in their field now. My only regret is that I didn’t read this sooner. amazing amazing amazing. This should be a mandatory read for parents world wide. Thank you!

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A must read for every parent

Excellent and easy to read, very valuable to every parent. I recommend also reading another book from this author to get the full picture

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1 person found this helpful

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These books will make you a better parent

I read both no drama discipline and whole brain child back to back and I can’t recommend it enough. Bring a second babe into the world last year was a huge transition for both myself and my 4 year old. We were moving through some huge emotions and both these books continue to help me and my husband in navigating what comes up. I love that throughout the book some things can seem repetitive because it helps me to absorb everything and the summary at the end was even more helpful.

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Changed my parenthood

Simple and effective principles that helps navigate the challenge of parenthood. If they can’t understand, there is no logic to push the kids on a certain direction…

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A must read.

Amazing book
Must read to parents to be
For counsellors like me.
For teachers.
I love it!

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This will help parents shape future generations

100% as a Dad recommend the importance to understand your child's way of thinking. It also helps you understand your own way of thinking more so.

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Drivel

Science? I think not. I listened for 20 minutes (1.3x speed) and heard nothing scientific or even interesting. Real scientists don’t spend ages on nothing. They get to the point. The book repeatedly indicates that you will learn something, but what, exactly? I heard nothing of substance. It is a book that discusses itself, the book that discusses itself.

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