Better Late Than Early [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

I already agreed with and still agree with the premise of the book, which was recommended to me by a seasoned homeschooling mom. I found the book rather unreadable, however, because of its "scientifically based" presumptions. In my opinion, determining what is best for nurturing the education of children belongs much more in the "art" camp than the "science" camp. Too many matter-of-fact declarations of what is universally appropriate for children (beginning formal education between ages 8-10, not "spoiling" a baby by responding to her every whim), quickly loses credibility because the empirically based "scientific" consensus about these issues is constantly changing and making last decade's assumptions obsolete. Since this book is a few decades old, it comes off in this dated, rather than principled and universally applicable manner.I think the author had good things to say and arguments to make, but too dry of a format. Although not necessarily directly related, I have been much more inspired and interested by the literature surrounding the "unschooling" movement lead by John Holt, which much more appealingly argues for early education being optimally home-based.Another vital dimension to this topic is the uniqueness of each child, which this author touches on but still ends up trying to universalize the particulars too much. A great book which highlighted the importance of recognizing the uniqueness of each child was David Guterson's "Family Matters: Why Homeschooling Makes Sense." I'm sure there are many others, but this book was really interestingly and well-written.

Children shouldn't be doing formal academics or prolonged closeup work until past 7 or 8, this is the well proven thesis of several works by the authors. This is a great one-stop book for research pertaining to many areas of child development and how they affect the readiness of the child for formal academics, even if the child will be educated in the home.

A revelation to read, especially in this time where pre-school and "reading" and worksheets are pushed earlier and earlier and earlier. It was refreshing, and caused me to rethink and recast many thing. Bottom LINE: slow down and let the child do the learning in the best possible environment which, wherever possible, is often home, for as long as possible (in most situations. . . ). And stop thinking you are "gaining" something by pushing when, in fact, you are losing a great deal with these little ones--things that are irretrievable.

This book does an excellent job of challenging the assumptions behind early childhood education programs. Following the research, the Moore’s present an argument not based on political or economic goals. The research shows what we’ve known all along. It turns out that children really do need their parents.

I wish all parents would have the chance to read this book before deciding to send their kids to day care or school. If we could understand how early schooling and the lack of respect for the natural developmental stages children go through as they grow, impacts their lives forever, we as a society would be more careful to hastily compare our selves with other nations and cultures apparently more successful at educating their young than we are, and we would be more mindful for what is good for kids in the long run. Our standards would be based on success and happiness by adulthood instead of how well we look on international academic testing.

i like this book because it offers an alternative view to "early childhood education" - a philosophy that is being pushed hard at all parents and teachers today. i have a young son who is intelligent enough to be formally schooled, but not MATURE enough. trying to get him to sit and learn for long periods has been a battle. this book shows that it is probably actually better to wait until he is older. it was refreshing to hear the voice of an expert saying that young children (especially boys) should not be schooled until 8 or 9 years of age. i highly recommend this book.

Although I appreciate the research. It’s repetitiveness gets old about common sense that children should stay at home (homeschooled) as long as possible. And whomever monopolized on this book at $40 some dollars. It isn’t worth it.

The 51 dollar book arrived used from a library, and NO indication at time of sale that I would be getting a used book

I started this book in the US having borrowed it from someone who wouldn't give it to me and thought it worthwhile enough to buy my own here in the UK. This book gives so much research support for starting kids later in school, around 8 or 9, that it's a wonder why society is pushing for even younger than 5 year olds to start. This book will give any doubting parent the courage to homeschool, at least until age 8 or 9 and longer if desired. The authors emphasize that there is nobody better than a loving mom or dad to teach the child. They give practical advice about what to be teaching, matter of fact, I see this as the only book I will need for the first 2 years of school. By doing what they suggest, which is basically just reading everyday and talking to your child about everything that goes on in everyday life, your child should be able to run a homebased business by age 8! I was already thinking of homeschooling but this book convinced me and gave me what I need to advance that thought to anyone who may be doubting the value of homeschooling.

Great book

An ok read