A CHART OF COMPARED THEORIES
Click on the links below to view the comparative chart of psychological development theories by Margaret Mahler, John Bowlby, Sigmund Freud, Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget and Carl Jung.
1-5 months
6-11 months
12-17 months
18-23 months
2-7 years
8 years – adolescence
adulthood – old age
READINGS TO GUIDE PARENTING
Parenting is always a work in progress. Here are some books highly recommended by parents. Their recommendation is printed below each title.
YOUR CHILD’S SELF ESTEEM by Dorothy Corkille Briggs
“Old classic with an introduction to Object Relations Theory.” (See Object Relations Theory above in “Stages of Psychological Development: Chart of Compared Theories” – Margaret Mahler).
TOUCH POINTS: FROM BIRTH TO THREE by Dr. Berry Brazelton
“I’m a dad and I have this book on my bedside table. I read a little each night… extremely helpful information.”
REDIRECTING CHILDREN’S BEHAVIOR by Kathryn Kvols
“Put the emphasis on building character rather than discipline… a must-have primer”
THE BLESSING OF A SKINNED KNEE by Wendy Mogul
“Bracing at best, a little autocratic at worst, this is a great guide book for parents who have given their children the best of care and are horrified they have grown into rude children who are lacking in consciousness.”
PARENTING FROM THE INSIDE OUT by Mary Hartzell & Daniel Siegel
“Sometimes a little heavy but if you’re interested in first-hand stories, introspective exercises and lessons in neurobiology – this book is for you. Parents are encouraged to come to peace with their own pasts to avoid repeating negative patterns.”
THE DEVELOPING MIND by Daniel Siegel
“A masterpiece. Siegel shows how our sense of self is intimately interconnected with the development of the brain, the processing of emotional circuits, the construction of cognitive frameworks and our interactions with parents, peers and society. Siegel assumes the reader has some knowledge of psychodynamic theory.”
MAGIC TREES OF THE MIND: HOW TO NURTURE YOUR CHILD’S INTELLIGENCE, CREATIVITY AND HEALTHY EMOTIONS FROM BIRTH THROUGH ADOLESCENCE by Adele Diamond
“Held in very high esteem, neuroscientist Adele Diamond manages a scientific and holistic view of child development. Each chapter is devoted to a year in the child’s life and is closes with a proposed enrichment program. The book covers everything the title says.”