Lise Eliot

As a research neuroscientist, Lise Eliot has made the study of the human brain her life's work. But it wasn't until she was pregnant with her first child that she became intrigued with the study of brain development. She wanted to know precisely how the baby's brain is formed, and when and how each sense, skill, and cognitive ability is developed. And just as important, she was interested in finding out how her role as a nurturer can affect this complex process. How much of her baby's development is genetically ordained--and how much is determined by environment? Is there anything parents can do to make their babies' brains work better--to help them become smarter, happier people?

Drawing upon the exploding research in this field as well as the stories of real children, What's Going On in There? is a lively and thought-provoking book that charts the brain's development from conception through the critical first five years. In examining the many factors that play crucial roles in that process, What's Going On in There? explores the evolution of the senses, motor skills, social and emotional behaviors, and mental functions such as attention, language, memory, reasoning, and intelligence.

This remarkable book also discusses:
- how a baby's brain is "assembled" from scratch
- the critical prenatal factors that shape brain development
- how the birthing process itself affects the brain
- which forms of stimulation are most effective at promoting cognitive development
- how boys' and girls' brains develop differently
- how nutrition, stress, and other physical and social factors can permanently affect a child's brain

Brilliantly blending cutting-edge science with a mother's wisdom and insight, What's Going On in There? is an invaluable contribution to the nature versus nurture debate. Children's development is determined both by the genes they are born with and the richness of their early environment. This timely and important book shows parents the innumerable ways in which they can actually help their children grow better brains.… (mer)

Presenting the latest science at every developmental stage, from birth to puberty author, Lise Eliot, zeroes in on the precise differences between boys and girls, erasing harmful stereotypes. Boys are not, in fact, "better at math" but at certain kinds of spatial reasoning. Girls are not naturally more empathetic, they’re just encouraged to express their feelings. By appreciating how sex differences emerge - rather than assuming them to be fixed biological facts - we can help all children reach their fullest potential, close the troubling gaps between boys and girls, and ultimately end the gender wars that currently divide us. Selected Reading Questionnaire.… (mer)

Although this book is a bit older -- it was first published in 2000 -- it contains a great overview of how the brain develops in utero and in early childhood. The book is very focused on what we know about cognitive development and does not go out of it's way to hypothesize grand theories of child rearing based on that.

The main reason I give it 3 stars, instead of something higher, is that because it's a bit older, most of the information has percolated into other books, so there was not much new to me. That said, it was good to get a more detailed idea of the science behind neurological development. Definitely worth a read.… (mer)