The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

By Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

Book Overview

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - More than 2 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 and illustrations that will help you explain these concepts to your child, 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

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0553386697
• ISBN13: 9780553386691
• Release Date: September 2012
• Publisher: Bantam
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

The Parenting Book I Wish I’d Read Sooner

Every parent should read this. Truly. This was one of the most genuinely impactful parenting books I've read, not because it shamed parents into "doing better," but because it actually helped me understand what's happening in my child's brain and how to respond in a way that builds connection, emotional regulation, and resilience over time. What I loved most is that this book doesn't just give parenting advice, it gives context. Understanding the developmental "why" behind behaviors completely changed how I view challenging moments with my two girls. Instead of reacting in the moment, I now find myself thinking more intentionally about connection, regulation, and what my child actually needs in their rough moments. And now I can view it as a teaching moment for the both of us, so we can THRIVE. Honestly? It was also very validating. Parenting is hard. Losing your patience happens (for me, a lot). This book never made me feel like I was failing, it made me feel equipped for the next time. The strategies are practical, memorable, and actually usable in real life. I loved this so much that I immediately bought Parenting from the Inside Out by Dan Siegal after. My one strong recommendation is to get the workbook too. I read the book first, then started working through the workbook after I finished, and that has been the perfect combination for me. The workbook helps turn the concepts into actual practice instead of just "that was a great idea, and I may come back to it." If you're a parent wanting to better understand your child and grow yourself in the process, I can't recommend this enough!

Excellent Book

Excellent science-based content written very clearly! Quick read which is a must for parents.

Recommend by school counselor!

I like the way it is written - very straight up. Fantastic book and a helpful reality check/pep talk.