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You Are Your Child's First Teacher: Encouraging Your Child's Natural Development from Birth to Age Six

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Description

The first book in America to popularize the insights of Rudolf Steiner, founder of the Waldorf schools, regarding the developmental needs of young children, this revised and updated edition offers new ways for parents and educators to enrich the lives of children from birth to age six.Today's society often pressures us into overstimulating young children with flashcards, workbooks, videos, and electronic gadgets in a well-meaning attempt to give them a head start. But children are not little adults - they learn and grow in radically different ways at different ages, and what we do to help could actually hurt instead.Some of the most important learning years happen before your child reaches school. In You Are Your Child's First Teacher, respected Waldorf educator Rahima Baldwin Dancy explains the different stages of learning that children go through from birth to age six, giving you the wisdom and understanding to enrich your child's natural development in the right way at the right time.A trusted classic for over 20 years, this newly revised edition contains updated resources and additional information on discipline, early childhood programs, toilet training, using home life as curriculum, and more. From language and cognitive development to appropriate toys and nourishing your child's artistic abilities, Dancy speaks up for a rational approach to child-rearing, one that helps children be children while we fulfill our important role as parents and first teachers. Read more

Listening Length ‏ : ‎ 10 hours and 45 minutes


Author ‏ : ‎ Rahima Baldwin Dancy


Narrator ‏ : ‎ Amanda Ronconi


Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 6, 2018


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tantor Media


Version ‏ : ‎ Unabridged


Program Type ‏ : ‎ Audiobook


Best Sellers Rank: #48,709 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals) #80 in Child Psychology (Audible Books & Originals) #102 in Parent Participation in Education (Books) #178 in Parenting & Family Reference


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Oct 9 – Oct 13

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Food for Thought
Format: Paperback
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I found it an easy read that gave a lot of insight into the phases of growth our children go through. The information is presented in a way that is memorable and easy to share with other adults in my child's life. My son is only 8 months old, but I plan to return to this book throughout his childhood for a refresher on ideas and information for each stage of life. I especially appreciated the lists of suggested resources at the end of each chapter. Most importantly, I feel this book validated my actions as a mother who doesn't keep my baby on my hip all day. He has always needed time to play independently. This book helped me to realize that, by letting my baby play independently (with supervision, of course), he will have the opportunities to learn to crawl, walk, manipulate objects, observe adult actions, and imitate life around him. I now am more guilt free about letting him do things like bang on the swiffer box in the kitchen while I unload the dishwasher instead of feeling like every waking moment I need to be interacting with an entertaining him. With this approach, he has become a very curious, independent, and determined little mover who can teach ME how he likes to play and explore the fascinating (every day) world around him. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on December 21, 2012 by Lauren E Kolb

  • HIGHLY recommend reading for the first 1-3yrs- maybe even last trimester
Format: Paperback
I suppose my review might mean more if I start by saying I am not a fan of parenting books and fads on how to raise child. However. The insights I have learned from this book are INVALUABLE! I am grateful for the teachings and the reviews that steered me to this book. The Waldorf Preschool I wanted my child to attend recommended Across the Rainbow Bridge,which my friend purchased. The reviews said it was a good book but not actionable for parents. This book on the other hand is FILLED with friendly suggestions, examples, and TONS of resources at the end of every chapter. I found myself wanting to buy every book the author recommended, because her style of writing is so inclusive I was inspired to learn as much as I could. Anyway, since the first chapter I was finding reasons to stay up later to continue reading. I found myself prefacing most conversations with, " This book I'm reading talks about that...", and when I would share with my friend who was reading the book I had intended to buy I asked if any of this content was discussed and repeatedly she said none of the topics we were discussing regarding child rearing were addressed. I am very happy with my purchase and would recommend this book to even a brand new mom. I personally didn't want to read any books I was so overwhelmed as a single parent and new mom. BUT I do wish I had these insights with a new baby and maybe even in my last trimester when reading books was a simple task ;) ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2017 by V. Sofitel

  • Best book I’ve ever read about parenting!
Format: Paperback
I LOVE this book!! Totally worth the money. The amount of useful information this book contains is unbelievable. I’ve recommended it to every parent I know. It’s also a very easy, casual read. Definitely not something you need to have complete quiet to enjoy, which is hard to come by anyways when you have little ones. I’m so pleased I got it! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2019 by Kristina Werner

  • Lots of Good Ideas, Despite Some Goofiness
This book promotes the idea that childhood, especially the age between 0-7, is a special time for children and that their innocence, creativity and need for imaginative play should be protected. I felt validated in many of my own beliefs while reading this book and think there is much of great value here. Occasionally, the author veers off on a course of the "feminine divine" and other mystical ideas, which I did not find particularly helpful, but I would certainly recommend the book anyway. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2013 by Carolyn F. Blake

  • wow!
If you only read one book to prep for your little one--this is it. Some of the Steiner talk may seem far-fetched for some, but if you listen with your heart and your gut it rings true (at least that is my experience, not saying it will be that way for all). Regardless, even if you take some of this with grains of salt it is so valuable and creates a tangible lens with which to view the sacred dreamy stare of childhood and how it is our duty to protect and nurture this valuable time. Thank you! Finally a book that makes holistic sense! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2014 by Cassie K.

  • Fantastic book! ❤️
Format: Paperback
I don't typically write reviews, but I love this book so much. First time mom and I can't say I read and apply like it's fact but I have to say I love the different perspectives it gives me. I do find I will se situations differently thanks to this book offering a new waubtonvirw situations. I find it very helpful in that way. Love this book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2022 by Rachel

  • If I had to pick one parenting book...
Format: Paperback
If I had to pick only one parenting book to read, this would be the one. The actual guidance takes a common-sense, follow-your-heart approach, but the real value is in the explanations of childhood development and what we as parents can do to best foster the skills necessary for successfully navigating through life. In the short time I've had this book, our home is already more harmonious and rhythmic, and our two year old is more joyful. I definitely anticipate my copy of this book will be dog-eared and well-loved over the years to come. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2013 by Sara J.

  • Much good information
This book has many excellent points and information. I especially like the part about the child "growing down" as first a baby gains control of his head, then hands, and finally feet and legs. I felt there were true facts and I could agree with much of it. It is based on the Waldorf approach to education which can be done at home, and that is fine. There are many lovely things about Waldorf, for sure. The schools do not use plastic materials and only natural materials such as wooden blocks. However, this went a big far in explaining that although Waldorf does not require that students are not immunized, many are not. That part should be left to local laws. I thought this book was so great I bought two copies as I wanted to give one away and then thought better of the idea. However, it is an interesting perspective. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2016 by Carolyn Wilhelm

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