How the child’s mind develops

What impact do evolving technologies have on the way our children's minds develop? This is a fundamental concern for parents, teachers and practitioners. How we develop so we can think, perceive, remember, talk, reason and learn is a central topic in psychology. It is a field that sees constant new research, including the correlation between children and screen time, and how this will affect their future selves.

How the Child's Mind Develops is an integrated and thought-provoking account of the central issues in child development. As a well-known psychologist and BAFTA award nominee, David Cohen discusses the latest studies and covers all the controversies that have dogged the subject for nearly 150 years. “My aim is to look at different theories and aspects of cognitive development in a way that is scientifically rigorous, but also accessible to those who love, live and work with children – psychologists, teachers, doctors, nurses, social workers, students and parents”, says Cohen.

This fully updated edition incorporates new extracts from a mother’s weekly diary, providing practical advice for parents and educators. Cohen discusses theories and debates in a friendly and outspoken manner and, in doing so, shows us the broad range and also the limitations of the classic explanations of, and research into, children's mental development. He examines the work of the 'greats' like Piaget, Freud and Vygotsky and shows how the issues that have intrigued psychologists relate to any child growing up today. In How the Child's Mind Develops you will explore:

• How do we get from helpless baby to knowing teenager?
• What role does technology play in developing our minds?
• Is our intelligence a matter of nature or nurture?
• How do we learn to read and write?
• How do we develop morality?

It is an invaluable introduction for everyone who lives with, works with or studies children. Cohen’s readable and stimulating waltz through the history of child psychology provides anecdotes, exercises, and ideas for parents and educators alike.

David Cohen is a psychologist, film maker and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine. His film on the Soham murders, When Holly Went Missing, was nominated for a BAFTA award.