Search  for anything...

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

  • Based on 0 reviews
Condition: New
Checking for the best price...

Buy Now, Pay Later


As low as $5 / mo
  • – 4-month term
  • – No impact on credit to apply
  • – Instant approval decision
  • – Secure and straightforward checkout

Ready to go? Add this product to your cart and select a plan during checkout.

Payment plans are offered through our trusted finance partners Klarna, Affirm, Afterpay, Apple Pay, and PayTomorrow. No-credit-needed leasing options through Acima may also be available at checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

Free shipping on this product

This item is eligible for return within 30 days of receipt

To qualify for a full refund, items must be returned in their original, unused condition. If an item is returned in a used, damaged, or materially different state, you may be granted a partial refund.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.


Availability: 20 left in stock
Fulfilled by Audible,

Arrives May 2 – May 6
Order within 20 hours and 40 minutes
Available payment plans shown during checkout

Protection Plan Protect Your Purchase
Checking for protection plans...

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

Frequently asked questions

If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: May 2 – May 6

Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.

To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.

View our full returns policy here.

  • Klarna Financing
  • Affirm Pay in 4
  • Affirm Financing
  • Afterpay Financing
  • PayTomorrow Financing
  • Financing through Apple Pay
Leasing options through Acima may also be available during checkout.

Learn more about financing & leasing here.

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

  • 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.

  • Good! But a little bit too much selling of the Waldorf
This book was really great and brought up some really good points I am going to keep in mind while raising my daughter. But I also felt like it was a little bit just trying to sell the Waldorf schools. I like how it tells parents to slow down and not treat kids like little adults. It also gives some great ideas on what to do with kids ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 11, 2018 by Lauren Busch

  • 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

  • My nr. 1 favorite parenting book! A must-read for every parent.
Format: Paperback
If you only ever read one book on child education, read THIS book! It's eye opening - amazing - very insightful! If every parent would read this book, many children would have a happier childhood! The first years of childhood are so important and we shouldn't ruin them for our kids by overwhelming them with competitive activities, too much screen time or too many toys. Let's kids be kids, let them play outside, experience nature, get used to rhythms and seasons and be happy. A really wonderful book! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2015 by Rachel

  • 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

  • Amazing book!!
I loved this book, no regrets at all. It taught me a lot, specially when I was upset with my "new role" (being mother). I could understand so many things that I didn't have any idea about it. I could see my son from a completely different way, with more magic, more gratitude, more patience. For sure this is a book that I will read more times and give as gift for first time parents. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2019 by Amanda

Can't find a product?

Find it on Amazon first, then paste the link below.
Checking for best price...