Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 48 votes)
5 stars
15(31%)
4 stars
12(25%)
3 stars
21(44%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
48 reviews
July 14,2025
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This is a concise book that delineates the typical personality traits and idiosyncrasies that typify the eight-year-old child.

So far, within my restricted experience, it is rather accurate and has brought to my attention the cyclical essence of child development. Here, children alternate between inwardized and outwardized behaviors, as well as experience shifts in disequilibrium and equilibrium.

Although not all situations or behaviors will be applicable to every child, it still serves as a useful guide for anticipation. Since it was initially penned in 1989, some of the technological and current event references are woefully outdated, and the photographs are more evocative of nostalgia than anything else.

Nevertheless, it is a decent, rapid read that offers me some assurances regarding the changing nature of our eldest's behavior (and why it is entirely age-appropriate).

It helps me to better understand the normal fluctuations and patterns that occur during this stage of a child's growth, which in turn allows me to approach our child's behavior with more patience and understanding.

Overall, despite its flaws, this book has provided valuable insights that I will keep in mind as I continue to navigate the journey of parenting an eight-year-old.

July 14,2025
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These books are always helpful,

even though they may seem less so as the kids grow older.

I recently picked up a couple of really good tips about what's going on in my eight-year-old's head.

It's truly amazing how much you can learn from these books.

They offer valuable insights into the minds of children at different ages and stages of development.

By reading them, I was able to better understand my child's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

This, in turn, has helped me to communicate with him more effectively and to address any issues or concerns that may arise.

Overall, I would highly recommend these books to any parent or caregiver who wants to gain a deeper understanding of their child.

They are definitely worth the time and effort it takes to read them.
July 14,2025
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Their series is truly wonderful. Although it may seem a bit dated at times, it ultimately gives the impression that I'm reading my kids' diary. The level of accuracy is eerily remarkable. It makes me, as a parent confronted with various challenges, feel less alone. It's as if the stories within the series understand the exact experiences and emotions that I go through on a daily basis. It provides a sense of comfort and validation, knowing that others have faced similar situations. This series has become a source of inspiration and support for me, helping me to navigate the sometimes difficult path of parenting. I highly recommend it to all parents out there who are looking for a relatable and engaging read.

July 14,2025
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Another outstanding book within the series of parenting books suitable for all ages.

I am constantly astonished. Even though these books were penned some time ago and, quite understandably, are somewhat outdated in terms of research. In this particular instance, I believe that if the book were written today, it would incorporate discussions regarding dyslexia, autism, Asperger's, and ADHD.

Nevertheless, its fundamental observations about children still hold true. It is comforting for me to read about certain behaviors that I witness in my children and know that they are normal.

This book serves as a valuable resource, offering insights and perspectives that can help parents better understand and navigate the complex world of raising children.

Despite its age, it continues to provide relevant and useful information that can assist parents in their journey of parenting.

Overall, it is a book that I would highly recommend to any parent or caregiver looking for guidance and support in raising healthy and happy children.
July 14,2025
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This book is extremely dated.

It contains descriptions of child development and behavior that are completely out of line with current standards. This is especially true when it comes to crucial aspects such as gender identity, nutrition, and family structures. While there are a few glimmers of useful insight regarding an eight-year-old's motor skills, relationship with their parents, and cognitive/academic abilities, these are unfortunately overshadowed by the significantly flawed information that makes up the majority of the book.

The outdated nature of the content not only limits its practical value but also poses a risk of误导 readers. In today's rapidly evolving understanding of child development, it is essential to rely on up-to-date and accurate resources. This book fails to meet these standards and should be used with caution, if at all.
July 14,2025
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I truly have a deep affection for this series.

If there is nothing else, it serves as a great aid for me to step back, take a deep breath, and recall that what my children are engaged in is (for the most part) normal and in line with their age.

These books are extremely quick reads. Even if you only manage to gain one or two insights from them, it is still highly worthwhile.

They are beneficial in maintaining a proper perspective and reminding you that "this too shall pass" whenever you are experiencing feelings of frustration.

They offer a source of comfort and reassurance, helping you to navigate through the challenges and uncertainties that come with parenting.

Overall, this series is a valuable addition to any parent's library.
July 14,2025
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A great resource about typically developing kids can be extremely valuable. It offers insights into the normal growth and development patterns of children. However, it has a few limitations. For one thing, it is a bit outdated, which means that some of the information may not be as current as it could be. Additionally, it makes no mention of anyone with special needs. This omission can be significant, as children with special needs often have unique requirements and challenges that need to be addressed. Despite these drawbacks, the resource does have some优点. It is fast and easy to access, which makes it convenient for parents, educators, and other caregivers. Moreover, it is pretty accurate in its descriptions of typical development, which can be helpful for those who are looking for a basic understanding of how children grow and develop.

July 14,2025
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Excellent, as usual.

I truly wish the educators at my children's school would take the time to read this.

The story of an eight-year-old's struggle for independence and the delicate balance between self-reliance and still relying on mom is both relatable and thought-provoking.

The author's assertion that eight-year-olds have the most difficult relationship with mom ever is quite interesting.

Moreover, the idea that a smooth relationship with dad can assist in transitioning to the age of nine is also worth considering.

I have always referred to this series because my children have exhibited behaviors, attitudes, and habits that align perfectly with Dr Ames' research.

The only reason it doesn't receive a full five stars is that it hasn't been updated.

It would be great to see new insights and perspectives added to this valuable work.

Perhaps an update could address the evolving nature of childhood in today's society and how it impacts the relationships and development of children.

Nonetheless, this article remains a useful resource for parents and educators alike.
July 14,2025
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This book is not the best in this series. However, every time I pick up one of these books and start reading, it dawns on me that I have not been a failure in parenting.

It gives me a sense of relief to know that what my kids are doing is developmentally appropriate for their age.

One particular aspect that makes me happy is reading about how age 8 is considered a long equilibrium phase.

It means that during this stage, children tend to have a more stable and balanced growth.

Understanding this helps me to be more patient and less worried about the normal fluctuations and behaviors that my 8-year-old exhibits.

It's reassuring to know that these are all part of the natural process of growing up.

I look forward to seeing how my child will continue to develop and progress during this equilibrium phase and beyond.

Overall, although this book may not be the top-notch in the series, it still provides valuable insights and comfort for me as a parent.

July 14,2025
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Love how age specific this book is.

It truly caters to a particular age group, providing valuable insights and information that are highly relevant to that in-between age.

Readers in this specific age range will find it extremely relatable and beneficial. The book delves into the unique experiences, challenges, and opportunities that come with being in this stage of life.

It offers practical advice and perspectives that can help individuals navigate through this period with more confidence and understanding. Whether it's about personal growth, relationships, or career choices, the book has something to offer for everyone in this age bracket.

Overall, its age specificity makes it a must-read for those who are in the midst of this in-between age and are looking for guidance and inspiration.
July 14,2025
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This book has truly been an eye-opener for me.

It has clearly and comprehensively explained to me the reasons behind why my eight-year-old son is engaged in the activities he is doing.

Before reading this book, I often found myself confused and sometimes even a bit concerned about his behavior.

However, after delving into its pages, I have come to a profound understanding that he is exactly where he should be at this stage of his life.

He is simply doing the "normal" things that 8-year-old boys typically do.

This realization has brought me a sense of relief and has allowed me to view his actions in a more positive and accepting light.

I am truly grateful to have come across this book, as it has provided me with valuable insights into the mind and behavior of my son.

It has not only enhanced my understanding of him but has also strengthened our bond as mother and son.

I would highly recommend this book to any parent who is seeking to better understand their child's actions and behaviors.
July 14,2025
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I usually have a greater enjoyment for these kinds of books. However, this particular one left me with a sense that it was rather lacking in substantial coverage of actual developmental milestones. Instead, it seemed to have a preponderance of letters addressed to the authors, which took away from the overall content that I was expecting.

It's important to note that when it comes to books on this subject matter, I look for in-depth and detailed information about the various stages of development. This book, unfortunately, did not quite meet that expectation. The abundance of letters, while perhaps interesting in their own right, didn't provide the kind of valuable insights and knowledge that I was hoping to gain.

Overall, I was a bit disappointed with this book. I had high hopes based on my previous experiences with similar titles, but this one just didn't deliver in the way that I had anticipated. I would have preferred a more focused and content-rich approach that delved deeper into the important aspects of developmental milestones.
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