Raising a Thinking Child

Overview of "Raising a Thinking Child" by Myrna Shure

Key Themes:

1. Developing Thinking Skills: The book emphasizes the importance of teaching children how to think critically and solve problems independently. It introduces the "I Can Problem Solve" (ICPS) program, which focuses on developing problem-solving skills in young children.
2. Conflict Resolution: The book provides a guide on how to help young children resolve everyday conflicts and get along with others. It offers practical strategies for parents to manage conflicts constructively.
3. Parent-Child Interaction: The ICPS program encourages parents to engage in dialogues with their children, helping them understand different perspectives and develop problem-solving skills. This approach aims to improve childrearing styles and enhance children's ability to solve hypothetical child-related problems.

Plot Summary: The book is structured around the ICPS program, which includes a series of steps and techniques for parents to teach their children. These steps help children develop critical thinking skills, understand multiple solutions to problems, and learn to communicate effectively. The program is designed to be implemented in daily life, using games, role-playing, and real-life scenarios to teach problem-solving skills.

Critical Reception:

1. Positive Reviews: The book has received positive reviews for its practical approach to teaching children problem-solving skills. It has been praised for its ability to help children develop critical thinking and conflict resolution skills, making it a valuable resource for parents.
2. Research-Based: The ICPS program has been the subject of research studies, which have shown that training mothers to teach problem-solving skills to their children can lead to significant behavioral gains in children, including improved problem-solving skills and better childrearing styles.

Editions and Publication: The book was first published in 1996 by Pocket Books and has since been reprinted. It has also been followed by a sequel, "Raising a Thinking Preteen," which extends the ICPS program to preteens aged 8-12.

In summary, "Raising a Thinking Child" by Myrna Shure is a comprehensive guide that helps parents teach their young children critical thinking skills and conflict resolution strategies through the "I Can Problem Solve" program. The book has been well-received for its practical approach and research-backed methods, making it a valuable resource for parents seeking to enhance their child's cognitive and social development.