Reviews and Endorsements
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, December 15, 1997
A child therapist, great-grandmother and founder of a method of child rearing called
Resources for Infant Educarers, or RIE (pronounced "wry"), Gerber runs a
parenting center based on her approach in Los Angeles. First developed while she was
working with orphans in her native Hungary at the end of WWII and refined through her work
with children here, RIE focuses on helping parents and "carers" to treat babies
with respect, an approach that lays a strong foundation for their development as
self-respecting individuals. Specifically. respect means trying to understand what they
want, and telling them what we are going to do before we do it. Aided by freelancer
Johnson, Gerber presents suggested RIE-based responses to children through stages of
infancy and into toddlerhood. Such issues as feeding, sleeping, child care, sibling
rivalry and responses to crying are considered in sample dialogues. … readers
will find plenty of wisdom and common sense on these pages. It's hard to turn away from a
book that invites you to relax and enjoy your baby.
From
Children's Literature, 1998
"Designed to assist new parents and caregivers of infants in developing capable and
confident children, this 235-page book was written by a great grandmother and founder of
Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE). Its philosophy is a developmental approach to
child-rearing based on the principles of trusting your child (or charge) as a self
learner, providing a safe and challenging environment, allowing uninterrupted play time,
involving the child in care giving activities, providing time to explore with other
children, and consistent limits and expectations. She implores parents to be keen
observers of their infants to determine their needs rather than constantly interfering or
guiding their learning. Basic trust in the infant, and vice versa, is the key to her
philosophy. The book is divided into three sections: How RIE Can Benefit your baby, Your
Baby at the Beginning of Life, and As Your Child Grows: Toddlerhood and its Challenges. It
includes discussions on everything from the qualities of a good parent, selecting
childcare, to headbanging, rocking and repetitive behaviors. It is a thorough examination
of many of the challenges new parents will encounter, and its use of parents' actual
experiences adds authenticity..."
-Meredith Kiger.
From
Children's Literature, 1998
"Written by the founder of the Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE), this book offers
ideas on how to connect with your baby through daily routines. Gerber, who lectures and
offers her popular workshop nationally, is a proponent of allowing babies to develop at
their own pace. She teaches observational skills for parents and caregivers that enable
the child to become an explorer and a self-learner. Excellent ideas for fostering
closeness and healthy independence in an easy to browse format of anecdotes and
information arranged in chronological order."
-Deborah Roffino
"A vital resource for new and
expectant parents ... timely, practical, easy-to-read, and informative. Grounded in the
traditions of Resources for Infant Educarers and principles of child development, the book
leaves no doubt that respect for infants is a key ingredient to successful
parenting."
-Ed Greene, Ph.D.
Senior Associate, Families and Work Institute
Board Member, National Association for the Education of Young Children
"Magda Gerber's approach will
deepen your understanding of your baby and help you truly appreciate the complexity,
competence and amazing capabilities of the small human being for whom you are
caring."
-Jeree H. Pawl, Ph.D.
Director, Infant-Parent Program University of California, San Francisco, School of
Medicine
"Magda Gerber shows us how to
raise healthy human beings. Her voice is clear and wise. Your Self-Confident Baby gets
to the heart of what it takes to provide quality care to infants and toddlers."
-J. Ronald Lally, Ed.D.
Director of the Center for Child and Family Studies at WestEd
"At long last - Magda Gerber's
wisdom and spice captured in a book - what a treasure! Now parents and caregivers
everywhere can benefit from learning what it means to truly respect babies."
-Janet Gonzalez-Mena
Author of Infants, Toddlers, and Caregivers and Dragon Mom
"Magda Gerber shows parents the
value of slowing down, not pushing their children, but observing the true wonder of their
development and uniqueness. There is good advice on all aspects of childcare. You will
learn to see your child with new eyes.
-Karen Miller
author of Ages and Stages and Things to Do with Toddlers and Twos
"I wish every new parent to
have Magda Gerber's Your Self-Confident Baby. It is a treasure. It
will promote your baby's well being and your own peace of mind."
-Laura Huxley
Founder and President of Children: Our Ultimate Investment
RIE: