The Science inside the Child The story of what happens when we're growing up [Paperback]

This engaging book presents some of the ways in which science can describe and explain how and why children develop in the way they do. It looks at childrens individual development within the development of our species, at genes, at the hormone systems that flood our bodies, at the neuroscience of childrens brains, and at patterns of behaviour. It looks, in other words, at the different influences on child development according to the scientific disciplines of evolutionary theory, genetics, epigenetics, endocrinology, neuroscience, epidemiology and psychology.

Filled with entertaining anecdotes, Sara Meadows shares the story of what happens when were growing up, revealing how science can add depth to our understanding. This book will be an informative and enriching read for all parents, educators and carers, and those interested in how children develop to be emotionally balanced, socially skilled, and enthusiastic seekers after knowledge.

1. Introduction  2. Sciences stories  3. Evolution  4. Genetics and epigenetics  5. Neuroscience  6. Psychoneuroendocrinology  7. Epidemiology  8. Psychology  9. How to make things better

'This book's unpretentious style makes it highly readable. Sara Meadows helpfully explains the basics of various scientific approaches and shows their relevance to child development.'- Sue Gerhardt, authorof Why Love Matters

Sara Meadowsworks in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Bristol. As a psychologist she uses the concepts and the methods of developmental psychology as a way of understanding what children are experiencing at home and in their other social settings and the ways in which they grow up as effective social actors. Much of her current research is with the Avon Longitudinal Study of ParentlSQ