The Science of Parenting

I was disappointed with this book because I thought it was going to provide more of an unbiased perspective on child-rearing based on scientific research. But in fact there are many statements made in this book that have not been shown to be true one way or the other and are simply the opinion of the author. Also, I think it inflates the parents’ role in child-rearing. It goes completely overboard about activating the wrong parts of your child’s brain. I’m not saying there is no merit to this theory, but the book would make it seem a miracle anyone ever grew up halfway sane if their parents nevcer read this book. I would have liked the book more if I’d read it before I had kids, but now it just makes me think ‘give me a break’.
Rating: 3 / 5

I read a lot of books. I read Ferber’s book. Then Sears’. Then Pantley’s. Then this one. Being a scientist/biologist, I really appreciated this book. It is easy to read, so anybody can understand it. It is also very practical. You can immediately apply what you’ve learned from this book.

In regards to baby sleep problems, I intuitively decided not to use Ferber’s cry it out method. I was supported by Pantley’s book. I appreciate her ideas and thoughts on the topic because I was being told by everybody that the “cry it out” method was the only way to go. I appreciated Pantley’s advice & support & honesty. She is very much against Ferber’s “cry it out method”. And, she has every reason to feel that way. It was a very helpful book. THEN, I read “The Science of Parenting”. This was the best book ever!!! It backed up Pantley’s idea of NOT using the cry it out methods. It backed up Pantley with science. Since I am a biologist and a mother, I really appreciated “the Science of Parenting”. I was able to finally support my intuition with science and NOT use Ferber’s cry-it-out method. “The Science of Parenting” describes the neurological damage that you will be inflicting upon your child if you use the “cry it out” method. Take me seriously on this. Read “The Science of Parenting” before you ever think of using Ferber’s methods. Then, read Pantley’s book. You will appreciate her intuition and her ideas. If you are lazy, want an easy way out, and want to damage your child FOR LIFE, then use Ferber’s methods. These are strong words, I know, but I am NOT kidding. Please, first READ “The Science of Parenting” AND Pantley’s book. Then decide for yourself. Why not be an educated parent?
Rating: 5 / 5

I had heard that this book was highly recommended and believed it until I read it. Although most of the information was good, I do believe it is for certain types of parenting styles, like the shared bed and no-cry solutions, which is not realistic in my house. When I read the part about how daycare affects your child in a negative way, I felt like the worst parent in the world. Daycare has been a blessing for all of us, but especially her. Yes, it is hard at first and was probably tough for her but she got used to it and now loves it. So if those above mentioned styles are for you, this book is worth your while.
Rating: 1 / 5

So, so, so, so important to get the the science behind parenting. The underlying truth. For too long have we been guessing and parenting by anaecdote. A good start in the absence of understanding what *really* maters. But now let’s base parenting on what really matters.
Rating: 5 / 5

I liked the ideas, because it agreed with my inner parenting sense. I always felt that the crying out methods were pure cruelty. Didn’t like the writing style-too populistic.
Rating: 5 / 5