Amber Ankowski PhDThink Like a Baby: 33 Simple Research Experiments You Can Do at Home to Better Understand Your Child's Developing Mind

I have to say, BEFORE I had my kids, I read. A lot. I read dozens of pregnancy books and and all of those "The First Year" and "What to Expect" books. Why, I remember -- hazily -- that back then I'd even sometimes sit down to read The New York Times. Or, an actual book with page numbers and no illustrations or peanut-butter stains.My, how things change once you have kids! I can't remember the last time I had the time to read anything except an illustrated children's book. But I was looking for a gift for friends who are having their second child and I found this book. Ordered it, and of course I had to read it before I wrapped it! When my husband caught me reading it for the third night in a row, he suggested maybe I should KEEP the one I'd been reading every night and buy our friends a new one. So, yes, I liked it so much I bought it twice! (Three times now, actually... this book makes a great gift.)I realized that before you have kids, you are obsessed with the changes your body is going through, and making sure your baby is healthy, and then making sure you keep that little ball of love and poop ALIVE for the first few months. (Then, if you go on to have more kids, you are basically in survival mode and you're just hoping for a cup of coffee every morning and a shower maybe twice a week.) But after buying "Think Like a Baby," I realized that I'd never read a book that really explained how kids THINK. (And, I can't be the only one whose kids seem to act like the kid from "Parenthood" who runs around with a bucket on his head and bangs into walls...over and over again? Right? I mean...I'm hoping I'm not alone here. At least the screenwriter somewhere had a bucket-headed kid, too.) Anyway...This book is awesome because it explains HOW and WHAT your kids are thinking, at different stages of development. It's really funny but also really informative. AND as a bonus to busy parents, it's set up in easy-to-read, short chapters. (I can't tell you how many parenting books I've bought recently that were so long-winded and technical that I just had to abandon them to the dust bunnies under my nightstand.) It's set up in three sections: "The First Year," "The Second Year," and "The Third Year and Beyond." In each section are a series of "experiments" you can do with your baby/kid. The experiments are easy to set up with household objects, and the ones I've done with my kids just feel like games. But then the authors explain how to interpret the results so you can understand your children's development.If all of that sounds difficult -- don't worry! Even a woman with over four years' of severe sleep deprivation has succeeded in reading it AND using the experiments. :) I especially liked the ones relating to speech, because one of our kids has speech issues and the book's experiments really helped me see where my kid was at, as well as what might be "normal." And, the kids have fun with these "experiments" -- it's an easy way to entertain them!I also like that this book is written by a married couple, just because you get both the male and female takes on things -- and it makes it a cool gift for both moms AND dads. Some books seem to be written solely for women -- which is awesome, go mom-power. But this is nice for the Dads to read, too. (I'm also in awe that a couple could write a book together, because my wonderful husband and I can barely choose an On-Demand movie some nights!)Anyway: funny, smart, easy to read and a great gift!

Loving it, it a great book. Bought it for my wife, she love reading. she has read many books. So she knows what good or bad, I was worry when i first gave it to her. After few days, she told me she LOVE this book so much. Price is right and book is great!! Thank you!

Love this book! Super cute. Easy to read. Makes complete sense. Gave me a ton of cute ideas to try with my baby. I.e.: singing the same song everyday for baby recognition.Actually helps me understand how the baby mind thinks.. In a cute and friendly manner.

i got it for a developmental psych class (taught by the author). this book helps you anticipate what to expect in your baby. the experiments are very easy & insightful. Dr A has a few babies herself & she's super knowledgeable & passionate about child development. get this book if you're having a baby!!

Funny and informative!

This book is fascinating!! I learned a lot about my kids and their development. I loved trying some experiments with my 1 and 4 year old, and I can't wait to try more experiments! The book is easy to follow, and it's also really funny! This would be the perfect baby shower gift!! Highly recommend this book!

This book is a great read. Good for both new parents and individuals wishing to learn more about developmental psychology.

I highly recommend this book. It's an easy read, with humor and a huge amount of information. As a mom of 4, I think I related and learned a few tips. Thank you.