Me, Myself and I: How Children Build Their Sense of Self 18-36 Months

Pruett (The Nurturing Father), a clinical psychiatrist at Yale University's Child Study Center, takes an in-depth look at the emotional development of the 18- to 36-month-old. During this age period, a child's cognitive and emotional faculties develop surprisingly quickly; nurturing parents especially matter in this phase, when children are so receptive to parental guidance. Emphasizing that it's the way parents ""nurture nature"" that counts, Pruett makes the compelling case that emotions drive learning. The author concentrates on how a positive emotional life enhances brain development, encourages parents to give their children love and positive experiences and stresses the importance of play in a child's life. Pruett maintains that the most crucial milestones a child masters--such as learning to trust and to resolve conflicts and developing curiosity, confidence and contentment--are emotional rather than physical. Incorporating recent research, his text is breezy and anecdotal, with a parent-friendly tone. Pruett underscores the importance of constant, nurturing caregivers and includes a sensible discussion of early child-care issues. This is a thorough and sensitive celebration of a young child's emotional life, clearly defining the critical links between the way children learn and how they feel about themselves and the world. (June)