Favorite Books - Bright from the Start by Jill Stamm, Ph.D.

If you are a parent of children under age 3, like me, you probably try to do everything in your power to give them the best possible start in life. Bright from the Start by Dr. Jill Stamm is an easy read that brings together many, many different studies on child development and focusses on babies and children under age 3.

Dr. Stamm's approach is practical and entertaining. It turns out that the first 3 years are more critical to a child's long term development than many scientists had previously thought. Fortunately, Dr. Stamm does not stress a parent out about this. Instead, she empasizes that every parent can give their child what they need and often it is free. Loving your child, bonding with your child, talking to your child, singing (even off-key like me) to your child, reading to your child - all of these things help your baby. However, not every minute needs to be stimulating - in fact Dr. Stamm points out that babies and toddlers need downtime. Dr. Stamm is also worried about the effects of TV, computers and cell phones on young children and their brain development. Basically, there should be no TV for kids under 2. And for working parents, Dr. Stamm also provides guidance on how to choose child care. She also dispells the myth that children need educational toys and videos - usually the simpler the better - think building blocks. She also gives you ideas of games you can play with your child to aid in your child's development. Dr. Stamm also addresses the concerns of parents of children with special needs as she is the mom of two daughters, one being a special needs child.

If you are parent who wants to give their kids a great start, Bright from the Start is a fascinating and helpful read.