Synopses & Reviews
A groundbreaking approach to building learning habits for life, based on a major new study revealing what works and what doesnt Life is different for kids today. Between standardized testing, the Common Core Curriculum, copious homework assignments, and seemingly endless amounts of screen time,” its hard for kids and parents to know whats most essential. How can parents help their kids succeed not just do well on the test” -- but develop the learning habits theyll need to thrive throughout their lives?
This important and parent-friendly book presents new solutions based on the largest study of family routines ever conducted. The Learning Habit offers a blueprint for navigating the maze of homework, media use, and the everyday stress that families with school-age children face; turning those stress times” into opportunities to develop the eight critical skills kids will need to succeed in college and in the highly competitive job market of tomorrow skills including concentration and focus, time management, decision-making, goal-setting, and self-reliance. Along with hands-on advice and compelling real-life case studies, the book includes 21 fun family challenges for parents and kids, bringing together the latest research with simple everyday solutions to help kids thrive, academically and beyond.
Review
“Three authors—a psychotherapist, a pediatric psychologist, and a neuropsychological educator who are all parents—have compiled a guide that bamboozled moms and dads will welcome. This volume, which is based on a three-year study—the largest study of family routines ever conducted—is chock-full of examples from real families sorting through tough parenting decisions and provides valuable counsel.”
—Publishers Weekly
"As kids rely more and more on digital forms of communication, their verbal skills are eroding. If you are raising kids, this book is an essential tool."
—Bill McGowan, author of Pitch Perfect: How to Say it Right the First Time, Every Time
“This book presents one of the most important and innovative approaches to parenting and habit formation Ive seen in years. Its a must-read for parents and educators."
—S. Richard Sauber, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief, The American Journal of Family Therapy
“Wonderful book. The synthesis of case studies, interviews and impeccable research makes this a great read and a helpful and user-friendly manual for parents.”
—Joel K Weltman, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor Emeritus of Medicine Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University
Synopsis
A fresh look at the role that homework can and should play in helping children succeed. Homework gets a bad rap these days. Overscheduled kids (and parents) complain that its pointless busy work, without academic value. The truth is, homework offers our kids the opportunity to learn much more than what will be on the test.”
Presenting eight critical skills kids need to harness the true value of homework, as well as a 21-day challenge for parents and students, The Learning Habit combines rigorous research with time-tested hands-on techniques to help kids thrive, academically and beyond.
About the Author
Stephanie Donaldson-Pressman is a psychotherapist, consultant, and internationally recognized author in the field of family therapy. She is the author of
The Narcissistic Family, and Clinical Director of New England Center for Pediatric Psychology.
Rebecca Jackson is a writer and neuro-psychological educator whose writing is featured on the GoodParentGoodChild website and Huffington Post Screen Sense.
Dr. Robert M. Pressman is a Board Certified Family Psychologist, a practicing pediatric psychologist, and Director of Research at the New England Center for Pediatric Psychology.