Raising Smart Kids for Dummies - Paperback

by Marlene Targ Brill (Author)

So, you wanna turn Junior into a smarty-pants? What parent doesn't? Thing is, kids nowadays are more independent than ever and aren't always receptive to what parents want. In fact, if you tell your kids that studying is "good for them," they're more than likely to mumble, "Yeah, sure," in your general direction and head off to do something "fun."

Sharpening the minds of your youngsters presents more challenges than climbing Mt. Everest, and the responsibility of making your kids use more of their brain cells can be overwhelming - even when you don't encounter resistance. Raising smart kids requires long-term commitment, sacrifice, and diligence - not to mention the patience of a saint. And as long as you don't obsess about being the perfect parent, you will be able to enjoy your kids' journey of self-discovery right along with them.

But how do you accomplish this? How do you overcome the resistance? How do you tackle the overwhelming task of not only helping your children succeed in school, but also increasing their ability to make their own way in the world? That's where Raising Smart Kids For Dummies steps in to help.

Written in easy-to-understand terms (and absolutely no slick psycho-babble), this book gives you sound advice on encouraging your kids to set their sights high and achieve success, whether at school, with friends, or in your community. And you don't have to be a new parent to gain insight from this book; experienced parents can reap rewards with the help of this book in their effort to raise fulfilled children.

Here's just a sampling of what you'll find in Raising Smart Kids For Dummies:

• Recognizing the characteristics of smart kids
• Knowing when to push - and when not to
• Disciplining your kids in a positive way
• Growing smarter kids from healthier bodies
• Planning the development of your kids' brains: From newborns to teenagers
• Taking your smart kids beyond high school
• Eliminating brain drain from school-skipping, drug abuse, and raging hormones
• Top Ten lists of family characteristics that nurture smart kids, what smart kids read, and resources for bolstering parents' confidence

You've heard it said a thousand times: The children are the future. Children have such potential, but rarely live up to it. Why take this chance with your own kids? Make the commitment to prepare your kids for life on their own. With Raising Smart Kids For Dummies, you, too, can achieve success - and have a little fun along the way!

Front Jacket

Practical pointers for rearing precocious preschoolers and academic achievers

Discover the parenting secrets behind intelligent, well-rounded kids

Whether you're a new mom or the dad of a teenager, you want to do all you can to make sure your child loves to learn - and does well in school. This friendly guide shows you how. From stimulating a baby's senses to helping with homework and encouraging academic success, this book is packed with proven strategies for raising little Einsteins.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• Get in, get out information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Back Jacket

Practical pointers for rearing precocious preschoolers and academic achievers

Discover the parenting secrets behind intelligent, well-rounded kids

Whether you're a new mom or the dad of a teenager, you want to do all you can to make sure your child loves to learn - and does well in school. This friendly guide shows you how. From stimulating a baby's senses to helping with homework and encouraging academic success, this book is packed with proven strategies for raising little Einsteins.

The Dummies Way

• Explanations in plain English
• "Get in, get out" information
• Icons and other navigational aids
• Tear-out cheat sheet
• Top ten lists
• A dash of humor and fun

Author Biography

Marlene Targ Brill has written 50 books for and about children. She holds a master's degree in early childhood education and has spent years teaching smart kids of all ages.