The Whole-Brain Child

12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

By: Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Tina Payne Bryson

Narrated by: Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Tina Payne Bryson

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • More than 1 million copies in print! • The authors of No-Drama Discipline and The Yes Brain explain the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures in this pioneering, practical book.

“Simple, smart, and effective solutions to your child’s struggles.”—Harvey Karp, M.D.

In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. The authors explain—and make accessible—the new science of how a child’s brain is wired and how it matures. The “upstairs brain,” which makes decisions and balances emotions, is under construction until the mid-twenties. And especially in young children, the right brain and its emotions tend to rule over the logic of the left brain. No wonder kids throw tantrums, fight, or sulk in silence. By applying these discoveries to everyday parenting, you can turn any outburst, argument, or fear into a chance to integrate your child’s brain and foster vital growth.

Complete with age-appropriate strategies for dealing with day-to-day struggles, The Whole-Brain Child shows you how to cultivate healthy emotional and intellectual development so that your children can lead balanced, meaningful, and connected lives.

“[A] useful child-rearing resource for the entire family . . . The authors include a fair amount of brain science, but they present it for both adult and child audiences.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Strategies for getting a youngster to chill out [with] compassion.”—The Washington Post

“This erudite, tender, and funny book is filled with fresh ideas based on the latest neuroscience research. I urge all parents who want kind, happy, and emotionally healthy kids to read The Whole-Brain Child. This is my new baby gift.”—Mary Pipher, Ph.D., author of Reviving Ophelia and The Shelter of Each Other

“Gives parents and teachers ideas to get all parts of a healthy child’s brain working together.”—Parent to Parent

©2011 Mind Your Brain, Inc., and Tina Payne Bryson, Inc. (P)2022 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“Siegel and Bryson reveal that an integrated brain with parts that cooperate in a coordinated and balanced manner creates a better understanding of self, stronger relationships, and success in school, among other benefits. With illustrations, charts, and even a handy ‘Refrigerator Sheet,’ the authors have made every effort to make brain science parent-friendly.”—Publishers Weekly

“Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson have created a masterful, reader-friendly guide to helping children grow their emotional intelligence. This brilliant method transforms everyday interactions into valuable brain-shaping moments. Anyone who cares for children—or who loves a child—should read The Whole-Brain Child.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

“Fears? Fights? Frustrations? Help is here! Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson turn leading brain science into simple, smart—and effective—solutions to your child's struggles.”—Harvey Karp, M.D., bestselling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block

A lifesaver

I've been struggling as a parent for years and this book gives me hope I'll enjoy it again.

Thoroughly insightful

Grateful this was encouraged as a read as it was highly insightful and enjoyable listening by the author. Thank you for the opportunity and sharing these experiences with us all! Definitely a gift for many of my friends, family, and colleagues.

Solid advice for raising kids

While a few of the mental models are antiquated or oversimplified e.g. Right brain, Left brain, this book does a great job of explaining how a kids brain works with analogies that are easy to understand and put to use

I applied some of the lessons right away and noticed immediate positive effects. It helped my daughter feel less scared about a recurring nightmare and gave me some great ways to work through tantrums. Strongly recommend this one to parents of toddlers.

Amazing! A must read for parents and anyone working with youth.

I really appreciated all the great examples they provided with how each part of the brain works. I have used many techniques fromnthis book as well as taught a lesson about the "up stairs and down stair brain" to my 2nd grade students.

Amazing!!!

This book is so helpful. It just makes sense. I have never believed kids are bad and this book explains the connection between the undesirable behavior and what is going on in the mind.

My children will thank this book

Absolutely amazing and practical. I will be reading it over and over to keep it fresh🧡🤞🏼

Loved it

Great book! Definitely would recommend to anyone that wants to better themselves or someone with kids.

Every parent should know this stuff!

I'm a LMFT and I recommend this book to parents in my practice. I loved listening to it on Audible because I don't always have time to read, but when driving I can get smarter by listening to my favorite books. "The Whole Brain Child" has wonderful concepts and tells parents practical ways to integrate them into daily life. Integration is the key to thriving!

Very Helpful

This book has been enlightening for not only how my child’s brain works, but also how my brain works. I love the charts at the end and have purchased a paper copy so that I can reference the charts often.

A Lot of Information

Like I said, a lot of information. Very helpful, a little intimidating but definitely a book you want to take notes on. I made the mistake of listening to this while walking and pushing a stroller so I will probably forget quite a bit. But I would advise that if you do read it, keep a notepad handy!