How to Build a Human: What Science Knows About Childhood

Review Byrne's book is about scientific parenting, and it is very welcome indeed ... At its best it is an overview of what we know about child development ... breezy and digestible ... this is such a good book -- Tom Whipple ― The Times I really like the premise of this book - that the findings of research on child development can help parents understand and respond to their own children better. It's a mine of information for all new parents who are curious about the remarkable capacity of infants to quickly become complex social beings. Emma Byrne's reassuring message will inspire confidence and give insight into the mysteries of the first years of life. -- Professor Susan Golombok, Director of the Centre for Family Research at the University of Cambridge Praise for Emma Byrne ― - Byrne is a science writer with a PhD in robotics and a gleefully robust attitude ― The Sunday Times A glorious uplifting read -- Lucy Kellaway ― Financial Times Makes science feel downright celebratory -- Mary Norris, author of ― Between You & Me Joyous -- Lorraine Candy ― Sunday Times Style Chatty, humorously informative ― Mail on Sunday Entertaining and informative ― Observer Product Description 'Byrne's book is about scientific parenting, and it is very welcome indeed ... breezy and digestible ... this is such a good book' Tom Whipple, The Times Kids aren't all the same. You can't follow instructions and expect success every time. So what if parents approached their children as questions to be answered and not problems to be solved? Scientist Emma Byrne takes evidence-based information on everything from physical and emotional development to what is really happening during sleep and separation anxiety, then shows how to apply it to the unique child in front of you. She challenges perceived wisdom by focusing on the variance as well as the mean - because your child is an individual, not an average. Like all good scientists, you're going to have a few missteps along the way. You'll reach dead ends; you'll need to wrack your brain for new approaches. But by staying curious, creative and paying attention to what's really happening with your family, Emma Byrne will help you figure it out. Just in time for everything to change once again. Book Description Here is what science knows about childhood, so you can use the scientific method - be calm, be curious, be creative - to understand your human child in all their glorious, frustrating complexity. About the Author Dr Emma Byrne is a scientist, journalist, and public speaker. Her BBC Radio 4 'Four Thought' episode was selected as one of the "best of 2013" by the programme's editors. She has been selected as a British Science Association Media Fellow and for the BBC Expert Women Training, and is published in CIO, Forbes, the Financial Times and e-Health Insider. Swearing is Good For You is her first book.