So. Borders. Child psychology section. Did they have *one* book fitting this description? Noooooo. It was all about children with ADD, autism, aspergers, depression, bipolar, this and that learning disorder, this and that behavioral problem.... I mean, I knew childhood has been over-pathologized in recent years, but the ridiculous degree of it hadn't sunk in until today.
(I checked the parenting section too, but that was more of the same, interspersed with books on toilet training and discipline.)
I'm going to start poking about online, but in lieu of being able to look through the material myself - anybody out there have something to recommend along the lines of what I've described above?
*curses self for not taking child psych classes in college*
- Current Mood:
annoyed
Comments
i think the field you're looking for is "developmental psychology" or perhaps "cognitive psychology". "child psychology" is likely to be more mental and less cognitive than what you're thinking about, as i think you've already figured out.
hope this helps. no clue if Borders has a cogpsych section, but you might try browsing the general psychology stacks and see if you have any luck there.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=JournalURL&_cdi=6873&_auth=y&_acct=C000050221&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=10&md5=015bef33011408c35d3d592491f9e5cf
Anyway. Another expectant mother / geek friend of mine,
You also might comment on her post and ask if she has any recommendations. Reading two blogs from the perspective of a pregnant geek has been entertaining, and it seems like you two should hook up.
I have a strong preference for being able to look through a book and get a sense for the writing style before I buy it, unless I'm very familiar with the author. I'm picky enough in what I read that I'd not finish half my library otherwise.
I'll check out
Yeah, I'm pretty picky too... I guess I just usually find that reviews and recommendations are sufficient. Especially if it is a subject I don't know about - I'll start with a websearch to find out what is considered the bible of that particular subject, or ask friends.
*shrug*
Anyway, good luck.
Or, maybe the library?
From the look of some of them, a University bookstore might be more fruitful than a mainline popular one.
While there is a wealth of information available and it is good to read up on all the information out there, when it comes down to it, every baby/child is different. Some of the information posted before will be of use, as Ericson and Spock were pioneers, so to speak. But there is sooooo much information out there, it boggles the mind.
Borders- well I agree with you. I love to open up a book, smell it, touch it, and browse through it before I buy. I just love the smell of books, period, which is why I worked for Borders for a time. Most college entry books are special orders as they aren't usually kept "in stock."
In my experience (and when I had my son thirtenn years ago, I had a BS in Child Development and had been working with children for quite some time), I was able to take some of what I knew and put it to use. Most of my "learning" was "on the job" so to speak, as other mom's (and dad's) on LJ will attest to! :)
I will take a look see at some of my old child psych books and send them to you. I used to get educator's material as well. I will see if I have those still around and send those to you too. Many of those had case studies with results that you may find of interest. :)
btw, I knew Andrei when he lived in Pittsburgh ;-)
I believe the book What To Expect in the First Year, has alot of information regarding brain development and when a kid can do what. There is a sequel book that has what to expect after the first year. Hope this helps!