Raise a Smarter Child by Kindergarten

Perlmutter, a neurologist and physician, helps parents utilize that "brief window of opportunity in a child's life when parents can help create a brain that is built for optimal performance." Some of the book's advice ought to be common knowledge—establish a healthy diet, avoid toxins and limit television and video games—but Perlmutter's detailed guidelines take the guesswork out of smart parenting. Even more helpful is the inclusion of several simple, age-appropriate games that parents can play with their small children to help them develop the skills they will need, without resorting to dull test-and-drills (which, he argues, stifle creativity). Perlmutter offers clear solutions to real-life childhood issues that can affect the brain (such as food allergies, ear infections and the overdiagnosed ADHD) without preaching or talking down to parents who may be overwhelmed by the conflicting advice of doctors, psychiatrists and the media. The book's intuitive structure, helpful graphs and lists, and a comprehensive appendix supports this information in a hands-on, accessible form. (Sept.)