Every so often a book is published that dominates the conversation on a particular topic and changes the conventional wisdom. NutureShock by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman is such a tide-changing tome. It will set parents' (and others') tongues wagging for years to come.

NutureShock handily demonstrates, by dissecting the latest scientific studies, why so many "in vogue" ideas of childrearing are wrong at best and detrimental at worst. Few sacred cows of modern parenting are left intact and untouched. For instance, frequent, general, praise, does not promote children's self esteem, but rather hinders it. Nor do intelligence tests accurately reflect intellect in young children. And perhaps most astonishingly, the best child liars may also be the most socialized and well liked of children.

Reading each chapter in NutureShock was like firing at the shooting range where the targets being taken out were sacred parenting beliefs. It was both enjoyable and a little disturbing when I realized how wrong a lot of my core parenting values were. Still I think I am a better parent for having read NutureShock and you will be too!

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Nurtureshock will change the way you think about and raise your kids. Looking outside the box instead of within, Nurtureshock brings to light tings that are right in front of our noses. As the mother of two teenagers, I found the chapter on teen rebellion especially interesting. If you have more than one child and they fight and argue (and they will), there is a chapter about that too.

You don't need to be a parent to read this book. You had parents and the way things were done in the past is almost a distant memory. With technology these days, kids are subjected to all sorts of impressions from internet, TV, music and much more. Nurtureshock will explain why most children lie or why praising children can be harmful.

Nurtureshock is a very insightful book. Sure there are areas I agree to disagree with the authors, but that is what makes a psychology book great. There are also areas I was nodding my head in agreement. I highly recommend this book!

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