Why youth is not wasted on the young : immaturity in human development / David F. Bjorklund.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Bjorklund, David F., 1949-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Children.

Child development.

Physical Description:

xi, 276 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Malden, MA : Blackwell Pub., 2007.

Summary:

Humans take longer to reach maturity than most other species on earth. We are the 'Peter Pans of the Animal Kingdom.' In this engaging and insightful look at the nature of childhood, developmental psychologist David Bjorklund applies more than thirty years of research and writing experience to understanding not only why humans have evolved this way, but what role this period of immaturity plays in the social, emotional, and educational needs of today 's children. Challenging common perceptions of children as simply "adults in training," Why Youth is Not Wasted on the Young urges readers to re-examine childhood through an evolutionary lens, seeing it as an essential stage of development with its own unique purposes, separate from those of adulthood; a time of growth and discovery that should not be rushed.

Contents:

The benefits of youth

The youngest species

The slow rate of growing up

Adapting to the niche of childhood

The advantages of thinking you're better than you are

Play: the royal road through childhood

The most educable of animals

The changing face of childhood.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 239-266) and index.

ISBN:

1405149515

9781405149518

1405149523

9781405149525

OCLC:

71222973