The Yes Brain - by Daniel J Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson (Paperback)

About the Book

"The brain is either in a reactive (no) state, which makes us rigid and self-conscious, putting us on high alert for rules and consequences; or in a receptive (yes) state, which is what enables curiosity and creativity, and fosters resilience. Most traditional learning environments--and many parenting approaches--necessarily trigger the "no" state in children (allowing teachers and school systems to assess and manage them), but parents can nurture the mindset that leads to authentic happiness and success by supplying children with neurological counterbalancing "yes brain" experiences and interactions. Dan Siegel, a thought-leader in the field of neuropsychiatry, and Tina Payne Bryson, who runs the parenting education/class component of his famed institute in LA, explain the underpinnings of this neurological dichotomy, and give parents the scripts, ideas and activities for igniting and wiring the "yes" state in kids of all ages. From what to say to and do for the young child who is melting down (a reactive state) to help him get back to emotional balance (the responsive state), to how to assess extra-curricular activities and deal with the urge to over-schedule our older kids (which spurs a reactive, "no" mindset), The Yes Brain is an essential tool for nurturing positive neurology--and gifting our children with profound, lifelong results"--

Book Synopsis

From the authors of The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline, an indispensable guide to unlocking your child's innate capacity for resilience, compassion, and creativity.

When facing contentious issues such as screen time, food choices, and bedtime, children often act out or shut down, responding with reactivity instead of receptivity. This is what New York Times bestselling authors Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson call a No Brain response. But our kids can be taught to approach life with openness and curiosity. When kids work from a Yes Brain, they're more willing to take chances and explore. They're more curious and imaginative. They're better at relationships and handling adversity. In The Yes Brain, the authors give parents skills, scripts, and activities to bring kids of all ages into the beneficial "yes" state. You'll learn

- the four fundamentals of the Yes Brain--balance, resilience, insight, and empathy--and how to strengthen them
- the key to knowing when kids need a gentle push out of a comfort zone vs. needing the "cushion" of safety and familiarity
- strategies for navigating away from negative behavioral and emotional states (aggression and withdrawal) and expanding your child's capacity for positivity

The Yes Brain is an essential tool for nurturing positive potential and keeping your child's inner spark glowing and growing strong.

Praise for The Yes Brain

"This unique and exciting book shows us how to help children embrace life with all of its challenges and thrive in the modern world. Integrating research from social development, clinical psychology, and neuroscience, it's a veritable treasure chest of parenting insights and techniques."--Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., author of Mindset

"I have never read a better, clearer explanation of the impact parenting can have on a child's brain and personality."--Michael Thompson, Ph.D.

"Easily assimilated and informative, the book will help adults enable children to lead physically and emotionally satisfying and well-rounded lives filled with purpose and meaningful relationships. Edifying, easy-to-understand scientific research that shows the benefits that accrue when a child is encouraged to be inquisitive, spirited, and intrepid."--Kirkus Reviews

Review Quotes

"Easily assimilated and informative, the book will help adults enable children to lead physically and emotionally satisfying and well-rounded lives filled with purpose and meaningful relationships. Edifying, easy-to-understand scientific research that shows the benefits that accrue when a child is encouraged to be inquisitive, spirited, and intrepid."--Kirkus Reviews

"This unique and exciting book shows us how to help children embrace life with all of its challenges and thrive in the modern world. Integrating research from social development, clinical psychology, and neuroscience, it's a veritable treasure chest of parenting insights and techniques."--Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., author of Mindset

"In today's busy, competitive culture, allowing our children the space to be themselves is more important than ever. This book provides an escape hatch from the high-stakes mindset. It's a parent's guide to ensuring health, happiness, and genuine success--a blueprint for raising confident, creative kids in a fear-based world. It's never too late to implement the science-based strategies that Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson share."--Vicki Abeles, producer and co-director, The Race to Nowhere and Beyond Measure

"Bottom line: Every parent wants to raise a strong-minded, resilient, caring child. We just don't know exactly how; we open our mouths and we sing our parents' tired refrain, 'No . . . no . . . no.' In The Yes Brain, Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson teach us how to cultivate a receptive, curious brain in our children. I have never read a better, clearer explanation of the impact parenting can have on a child's brain and personality."--Michael Thompson, Ph.D., co-author of Raising Cain

"Today's parents find their children's behavior mystifying. 'I never would have spoken that way to--or refused to cooperate with--my parents!' Using refreshingly clear explanations of neuroscience and child development, coupled with practical, straightforward guidance, The Yes Brain arrives just in time! Siegel and Bryson lead parents and children out of puzzling impasses and into mutual understanding and appreciation. The book gives them the tools and courage needed to face the challenges of our rapidly changing world."--Wendy Mogel, author of The Blessing of a Skinned Knee and The Blessing of a B-

"In the flurry of activity that makes up our day-to-day parenting lives, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture: we aren't just raising children; we're raising adults. The Yes Brain offers clear strategies for fostering balance, empathy, and self-regulation in our children to not only help them manage today's bumps and tumbles, but to nurture in them the resources that will allow them to enjoy happy, healthy grown-up lives. An invaluable resource that I'll be recommending to parents for years to come!"--Susan Stiffelman, MFT, author of Parenting Without Power Struggles

About the Author

Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., is clinical professor of psychiatry at the UCLA School of Medicine, the founding co-director of the UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center, and executive director of the Mindsight Institute. A graduate of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Siegel is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestsellers Brainstorm, Mind, and, with Tina Payne Bryson, The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline. He is also the author of the bestsellers Mindsight and, with Mary Hartzell, Parenting from the Inside Out. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, with welcome visits from their adult son and daughter.

Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., is the co-author, with Daniel J. Siegel, of two New York Times bestsellers, The Whole-Brain Child and No-Drama Discipline. She is the founder and executive director of the Center for Connection, an interdisciplinary clinical team in Pasadena, California. She is a licensed clinical social worker, providing pediatric and adolescent psychotherapy and parenting consultations. As well, she keynotes conferences and conducts workshops for parents, educators, and clinicians all over the world. Dr. Bryson earned her Ph.D. from the University of Southern California and lives in Los Angeles with her husband and three children.