Kim V. reviewed on 9/2/2009 + 54 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 9

Every so often a book is published that dominates the conversation on a particular topic and changes the conventional wisdom. NutureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman is such a tide-changing tome. It will set parents' (and others') tongues wagging for years to come.

NutureShock handily demonstrates, by dissecting the latest scientific studies, why so many "in vogue" ideas of childrearing are wrong at best and detrimental at worst. Few sacred cows of modern parenting are left intact and untouched. For instance, frequent, general, praise, does not promote children's self esteem, but rather hinders it. Nor do intelligence tests accurately reflect intellect in young children. And perhaps most astonishingly, the best child liars may also be the most socialized and well liked of children.

Reading each chapter in NutureShock was like firing at the shooting range where the targets being taken out were sacred parenting beliefs. It was both enjoyable and a little disturbing when I realized how wrong a lot of my core parenting values were. Still I think I am a better parent for having read NutureShock and you will be too!

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