The Hurried Child: Growing Up Too Fast Too Soon, Third Edition Paperback – April 1, 2001

I first read this book when my boys were in elementary school thirty years ago. I still remember Elkind's advice to let children be children and to resist pushing them too fast and too hard. He told of one of his sons who strongly resisted reading instruction in one of his first school experiences. The teacher chose to allow him to wait, and he learned to read easily a year or two later. Elkind also talked of studies showing that children who learned to read at older ages were often the children who loved to read and who read independently as teenagers. We push academics at younger and younger ages in this country and do so supposedly in the best interest of children. Elkind believes in the freedom and space to be a child and to learn and grow through play and less structured experiences. He's not against academics. He just understands that there is more to living and learning than academics, and he worries about the future of hurried children. I do too.

I have been concerned with the way parents are pushing their young children. I am a psychologist who raised two gifted children and never pushed them. they both did very well in life and graduated from top-tier universities.The author makes a case for the need to adapt to changing times. Kindergarten is what the first grade used to be. Kids get socialized in preschool and begin actual learning in kindergarten and continue on a fast-track in the computer age. However, There are still too many parents pushing children who are doing more harm than good. Creating a "good learning environment" and getting appropriate amounts of positive reinforcement is all that is necessary for children to flourish.

I read this book about 25 years ago when I was raising my son and I used it as a guide to help me parent. My son is now a CPA, married with 3 children. I've purchased this book to give to my niece who is going through a divorce because i strongly feel it will help give her good advice as she raises her children.

The book touches on the current realities of public school students and students living at home with high expectations rush to grow-up (become adults). without realizing the dangers and harm these children are subject too they lack the privileges to develop at their own time and enjoy their own childhood.

Book is covered in several different "USED" stickers, one on the spine, one on the front, FOUR on the back. Black markings on the spine, cover worn. Inside pages are in good condition, with light highlighting-- which was NOT mentioned on the description before purchase. Out of 10 books ordered from different companies, this one arrived last. Disappointed, and will not order from this company again.

Good info about our culture of pushing children to be high preformed from early years. How we deny their REAL gifts.

Good reading for anyone with young kids.

This book should be required reading by Senior Highschoolers before they get out and have children. They could see themselves and future problems.

If you believe that today's culture forces children out of childhood much too fast , then this book is for you !