Common sense is the best guide - A review of "The myth of the first three years"

I am a parent of a 2 and 4 year old, and at no time was I exposed to the myth of the first 3 years, nor of the belief that the first 3 years of a child’s life have life-long intelligence and school achievement implications.

In "The Myth of the First Three Years", author John T. Bruer, Ph.D., dissects numerous studies from neuroscience and cognitive psychology to debunk myths and their perpetrators who improperly use science to bolster the claim that early intervention programs are essential to healthy brain development.  The authors of many of these studies are at odds with the conclusions of science writers and policy makers, he asserts.  While child policy advocates to not espouse these unfounded ideas out of ulterior motives, and their intentions are no doubt altruistic, funds and resources are wasted and misappropriated as a result, e.g. the government Head Start program.

The best parenting advice is one that has been in existence for over 60 years, which is first, do no harm, and second, talk, sing and play with your children.  Then allow nature take its course.  Children are resilient, and brains remain plastic throughout life.

Mr. Bruer is to be commended for his exhaustive research in separating fact from fiction.