NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children

Everything You Thought About Raising Kids Might Be Wrong

Po Bronson

8 Key Insights

About This Book

Discover a new approach to parenting and education that shatters old assumptions and offers surprising, science-backed strategies for helping children thrive. This work walks you through deeply researched challenges—from why praising kids for being smart can backfire, to how a single lost hour of sleep drops IQ, and why children’s instincts about race, honesty, or sibling relationships defy adult logic. Readers will learn how to transform everyday parenting, teaching, and community habits, to spark remarkable growth. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or coach, these insights will help you build deeper connections, more resilient kids, and a better understanding of what really makes children succeed.

About the Author

Po Bronson is an acclaimed journalist and best-selling author known for his sharp storytelling and commitment to evidence-based insights. Ashley Merryman brings years of hands-on experience working with children and education programs, ensuring every concept is practical and grounded in real life. Together, they have produced award-winning science writing recognized for challenging status quos and unpacking complex research for a wide audience. Their combined expertise offers readers not just information but actionable wisdom and hope.

Biggest Takeaway

By applying these insights, readers can foster authentic self-confidence in children, support healthier emotional development, and teach effective self-control. You'll be equipped to respond skillfully to lying, sleep issues, and sibling rivalry—backed by science rather than myth. Expect improvements in children’s motivation, honesty, academic performance, and even physical health. The tools provided can also help shift societal mindsets on race and equality, making a real difference at home, in schools, and across communities.