WHAT'S GOING ON IN THERE? HOW THE BRAIN AND MIND DEVELOP IN THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF LIFE

by Dr. Lisa Elio

This is not the book for the insecure or sleep-deprived Mom.

It might make her feel dumb. I had to re-read many a section before I understand what I was supposed to understand.

The first part of every chapter outlines the science of what is going on with your baby’s brain at the various stages of development and sometimes, it’s very unwieldy and scientific. But stay reading. The second half (or sometimes, interspersed throughout the science of the first half) is the meaty stuff — it tells you how parents directly influence a baby’s brain development and gives you very real suggestions of what to best enhance that development. It’s a stressful read at times (especially if you’re type A like me) because it makes you realize that being a mother is an incredible responsibility that impacts not only your family life but society at large. If you don’t do your job well, there’s no blaming anyone else.

A fascinating, educational and informative read. I rarely give it as a shower gift.

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