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The Design of Childhood: How the Material World Shapes Independent Kids

Name: The Design of Childhood: How the Material World Shapes Independent Kids
Price: 20.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (52 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Family Activities - The Design of Childhood: How the Material World Shapes Independent Kids

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Book Synopsis: "Nothing short of spectacular . . . A secret guidebook to a landscape in which we all dwell, but so often fail to see." --Tom Vanderbilt, bestselling author of Traffic

From building blocks to city blocks, an eye-opening exploration of how children's playthings and physical surroundings affect their development. Parents obsess over their children's playdates, kindergarten curriculum, and every bump and bruise, but the toys, classrooms, playgrounds, and neighborhoods little ones engage with are just as important. These objects and spaces encode decades, even centuries of changing ideas about what makes for good child-rearing--and what does not. Do you choose wooden toys, or plastic, or, increasingly, digital? What do youngsters lose when seesaws are deemed too dangerous and slides are designed primarily for safety? How can the built environment help children cultivate self-reliance? In these debates, parents, educators, and kids themselves are often caught in the middle.

Now, prominent design critic Alexandra Lange reveals the surprising histories behind the human-made elements of our children's pint-size landscape. Her fascinating investigation shows how the seemingly innocuous universe of stuff affects kids' behavior, values, and health, often in subtle ways. And she reveals how years of decisions by toymakers, architects, and urban planners have helped-and hindered-American youngsters' journeys toward independence. Seen through Lange's eyes, everything from the sandbox to the street becomes vibrant with buried meaning.

The Design of Childhood will change the way you view your children's world-and your own.

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Are you obsessed with giving your children the best possible start in life? Do you carefully select their playdates, curriculum, and even worry about every little bump and bruise? While these aspects are important, have you ever considered the impact of the toys, classrooms, playgrounds, and neighborhoods that your little ones engage with?

The Design of Childhood: How the Material World Shapes Independent Kids is a groundbreaking book that explores the profound influence of children's playthings and physical surroundings on their development. From the choice between wooden toys and plastic, to the increasing digitalization of play, every decision we make impacts our children's growth. But it doesn't stop there. The built environment, from playground equipment to urban planning, also plays a crucial role in their learning journey.

Written by renowned design critic Alexandra Lange, this eye-opening investigation delves into the fascinating histories behind the objects that shape our children's world. You'll discover how toys, classrooms, and even streets are infused with meaning and significance. Through Lange's unique perspective, you'll realize that there's so much more to the sandbox and the street than meets the eye.

The Design of Childhood will challenge your perception of what matters in your children's lives. It will make you question long-held assumptions and enable you to see the hidden ways in which the material world influences their behavior, values, and overall health. By understanding the background behind these decisions by toymakers, architects, and urban planners, you'll gain valuable insights into how you can help foster your children's independence and self-reliance.

Prepare to be captivated by this extraordinary journey into the hidden world of childhood design. Let The Design of Childhood transform the way you view your children's world - and your own. Don't miss out on this life-altering experience. Take the first step by clicking below to order your copy today!

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