About the Book
Real tools for parenting with patience, and helping your child develop emotional intelligence--an essential character trait for succeeding in our highly social world
If you're like many parents, you may wonder what's going on inside your child's mind when they throw a temper tantrum, refuse to cooperate or become overly excited. Written by two experts in child development and education, The Emotionally Intelligent Child offers a groundbreaking approach for understanding your child's behavior in the context of their development, as well as tips for parenting with compassion, and strategies for helping your child build emotional intelligence--a key element of success in today's world.
In the book, you'll learn all about the stages of development your child goes through as they gain social awareness and emotional balance--and how you can nurture this development using the author's innovative MIND framework.
By shifting your thinking from an adult viewpoint to a child's, you'll discover how you can scaffold and support your child's social and emotional learning; and ensure the development of prosocial behavior, impulse control, and perspective taking. This shift in viewpoint will also help you gain more patience as a parent, respond with less reactivity, and--most importantly--cultivate more joy together as a family.
About the Author :
Rachael Katz, MS, Ed, teaches social and emotional learning skills to parents and children. She has over twenty-five years of experience as an early childhood educator and school leader. Rachael was head of the Discovery School at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, head of social and emotional learning for Early Years at Dulwich College Beijing, and an elementary classroom teacher for preschool through third grade in public and private schools. In addition to working in school settings, Rachael has created and written television for Nick Jr. and Radio Television Hong Kong, and was a consultant for educational programs at Children's Television Workshop.
Rachael holds a master's degree in education from Bank Street College, and a BA from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.
Helen Shwe Hadani, PhD, is currently a fellow at the Brookings Institution where she conducts policy-focused research on the benefits of playful learning in both formal and informal contexts. Prior to joining Brookings, she served as director of research at the Bay Area Discovery Museum where she guided program and exhibit development. An expert in early childhood and creativity development, she has more than twenty years of experience in research and education settings, and has worked with toy, media, and technology companies, including Disney, Sesame Workshop, Apple, LEGO, Fisher-Price, and Mattel. Helen holds a BA in cognitive science from the University of Rochester, and a doctorate in psychology from Stanford University.
Review :
"What parent hasn't wondered what their child was thinking at some point? Parents and professionals in the field of early childhood education (ages zero to eight), Hadani and Katz were interested in exploring theory of mind (ToM), a system that increases understanding and respect for the beliefs and desires of others and includes delving into one's own cognition. Rather than being a how-to manual, this book is devoted to the 'MIND framework, ' which seeks to raise socially and emotionally intelligent children based on the individual personalities of parents and children. They encourage parents to view a child's actions not from a fix-it perspective, but instead in terms of the child's individual development--a step toward intentional parenting that Hadani and Katz believe is key to inculcating emotional intelligence."
--Library Journal-- "Library Journal"
"As early childhood educators and parents, Helen and Rachael have a deep understanding and respect for the internal workings of children's minds and children's emotional development. They bring a smart, practical, and unique perspective to understanding and nurturing children's social and emotional growth. This book is a must-read for parents who want to give their children the internal tools for success in school and beyond."
--Karyn Flynn, MBA, former CEO of the Bay Area Discovery Museum; and founder of Holos, a weekly newsletter--Karyn Flynn, MBA
"Feel what a child feels, see what they see, and your day-to-day interactions might just be happier. The Emotionally Intelligent Child is a refreshing, well-written, evidence-based book that adds much to the world of mindful parenting. If you are interested in reducing stress and rekindling the oft-elusive magic of being a mom or dad, this book is for you!"
--Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD, professor of psychology at Temple University, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and coauthor of Becoming Brilliant and Einstein Never Used Flashcards--Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, PhD
"For parents, watching their young ones navigate the world is an entrancing, if often bewildering experience. What is going on in those little heads? Why do they act the way they do? How can I help them grow to their full potential? In The Emotionally Intelligent Child, authors Katz and Hadani reveal the inner workings of the child's developing mind and offer parents useful techniques to help their children become more caring, thoughtful, and emotionally balanced."
--Neil Izenberg, MD, founding editor in chief of Nemours www.kidshealth.org, professor emeritus of pediatrics at Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and advisor to organizations dedicated to children's health--Neil Izenberg, MD
"Practical, heartfelt, and clear, this book is an indispensable guide to parenting with wisdom and sensitivity. In this delightful book, Rachael and Helen weave together personal stories, accessible science, and down-to-earth tips for how to understand, connect with, and support your child's development. What a gift to our world!"
--Oren Jay Sofer, author of Say What You Mean--Oren Jay Sofer
"Rachael Katz and Helen Hadanis' marvelous new book, The Emotionally Intelligent Child, will bring instant clarity and calm to parents who are struggling to help their children navigate social dynamics and turbulent feelings. Readers will feel that two knowledgeable and skillful experts are holding their hands and walking them through just the kinds of crises and dilemmas all parents face."
--Susan Engel, senior lecturer in psychology, and director of the program in teaching at Williams College--Susan Engel
"There is nice- to-know information, and then there is need-to-know information. The Emotionally Intelligent Child is a must-read book for parents and caregivers looking for need-to-know information and strategies as a guide to raise socially and emotionally intelligent children."
--Solwazi Samuel Johnson, mindfulness teacher, and mentor--Solwazi Samuel Johnson
"This book slowed me down and made me notice how I'm engaging my own kids and others, too. As parents and educators, we think continuously about the things we're doing, saying, and playing around our kids--or, more honestly, the things we're not doing, saying, or playing. Rachael and Helen offer reassurance, explain plainly how kids view and experience their world, and offer helpful ideas for any grown-up to parent with more confidence and caring."
--Gregg Behr, coauthor of When You Wonder, You're Learning--Gregg Behr
"You 'had' me from the very beginning! 'Raising an emotionally intelligent child involves seeing your child's actions through the lens of their development and pausing to respond to their needs intentionally versus impulsively.' Through a depth of wisdom, insight, and practical examples, the authors show how this universal truth can be accessible to all of us. I only wish that I'd had this book when I was raising my children."
--Gail Silver, JD, RCYT, E-RYT, award-winning author of Anh's Anger and other books for children, and founder of The School Mindfulness Project Inc. and Yoga Child Inc.--Gail Silver, JD, RCYT, E-RYT
