Child Development: Myths and Misunderstandings (Second Edition)

Abstract

Child Development: Myths and Misunderstandings (Second Edition) Author: Jean A. Mercer Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc. Year of Publication: 2013 ISBN: 978-1-4522-1768-0 (pbk.) Being a developmental psychologist means that you will have to challenge a lot of myths and false beliefs people tell about child development. Claims cover various aspects of psychology: genetic influences on development, heredity-environment interactions and individual differences, language acquisition, aspects of cognitive development, behaviour problems, child abuse, adoption etc.

1. Child Development: Myths and Misunderstandings (Second Edition) Author: Jean A. Mercer Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc. Year of Publication: 2013 ISBN: 978-1-4522-1768-0 (pbk.)

Being a developmental psychologist means that you will have to challenge a lot of myths and false beliefs people tell about child development. Jean Mercer does it systematically: she has collected 59 myths in contemporary psychology. She writes about mistakes, misunderstandings of theories and other complex issues and beliefs about child development related to missing information. Some of them are:

There is no harm in putting off childbearing until the mother's career is established; Parents should not talk baby talk to their children, because this slows their language development; Children are more likely to become delinquent if their fathers are absent or uninvolved; Adolescence is an emotionally dangerous time when teenagers are likely to attempt or commit suicide.

The myths described in short essays could be recognized in many cultures. Jean Mercer lives and works in USA, but the myths she writes about are also spread in my country (Croatia) and, I believe, in lot of others, all over the world. Each chapter consists of a short life story at the beginning, pro and contras about the claim (which is the title of the chapter), conclusion, tips for critical thinking (Mercer strongly encourages critical thinking!) and accurate scientific references. Claims about child development are listed chronologically: from prenatal stage to the adolescent development. They are grouped in five sections:

1. Genetics and Prenatal Life; 2. Infants and Toddlers; 3. Preschoolers; 4. School-Age Children; 5. Adolescents.

This is important because, as the author says, "information collected from one age group may or may not explain anything about the characteristics of other age groups" (pg. 10). In the Introduction Mercer also explains the difference between anecdotal testimonials and systemic investigation, explaining statistical terms and procedures and conclusions drawn from them. Claims cover various aspects of psychology: genetic influences on development, heredity-environment interactions and individual differences, language acquisition, aspects of cognitive development, behaviour problems, child abuse, adoption etc. There are also various essays covering emotional development, for example, those about attachment and attachment disorders.

Jean Mercer is trying to give answers even when there is not much evidence about the issue. Answers are not simple YES or NO. For example, when discussing antidepressant medication in pregnancy, she takes into account both risks: one connected with the consumption of the antidepressant medication and the other with the more harmful influences if the mother is not treated. She also explains distinction between baby blues, depression and psychotic episodes. By encouraging critical thinking, her conclusions are not "strict rules".

Although it seems that this book is student oriented, I would strongly recommend it to the child oriented professionals because of the extremely refreshing, original and interesting approach to the subject. Parents would also benefit from reading about myths and misunderstandings - I am sure they would become aware of some of their own mistakes.