Psychology for Kids

This exciting new book introduces kids to the science of psychology, with chapters on the brain, personality, intelligence, emotions, social relationships, and more. Accompanied by colorful illustrations of psychology’s big ideas, and lots of hands-on experiments to try at home, there’s no better way to dive into the fascinating science of the mind.

Why do we sleep? What are feelings? How do we make decisions, and how do we learn from them? Psychology helps us ask and answer these big questions about ourselves, others, and the world around us.

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, and Claire A. B. Freeland, PhD, are clinical psychologists in Baltimore, Maryland, with over 30 years each in private practice working with children and parents.

They are the authors of several bestselling self-help books for young people. Visit Jacqueline B. Toner onlineopens in new window and Claire A. B. Freeland on Twitteropens in new window.

This kid-friendly introduction to psychology describes what the science is, what psychologists do, and how they do it. Chapter by chapter, the authors, who are clinical psychologists, cover a broad range of topics including the brain, cognition, gender and identity, learning and growing, personality, intelligence, emotions, managing stress, and relationships. In short, readable, colorfully illustrated segments adorned with ample text boxes, they explain concepts and issues, offer examples of research, and suggest ways readers can do their own investigations… A useful and engaging overview of the science of mind and behavior.
—Kirkus Reviews

Part One: Exploring Psychology

1. What Is Psychology?
2. Where’s the Proof?

Part Two: Mind and Body Working Together

3. Is Putting On Your Socks a Superpower?
4. How Does the Brain Work?

Part Three: The One and Only Me

5. What Makes Me “Me”?
6. What Does It Mean to Be a Boy or a Girl?

Part Four: Learning and Growing

7. How Did You Learn That?
8. What Does It Mean to Be Smart?
9. How Do You Remember?
10. How Do We Think?
11. How Do You Change As You Grow?

Part Five: Understanding Feelings

12. How Do You Feel?
13. What Motivates You?

Part Six: Caring for Yourself

14. What Is Stress?
15. Why Spend So Much Time Sleeping?

Part Seven: Taming Emotions

16. What Helps People Do Well?
17. What About When It All Feels Like Too Much?

Part Eight: Living With Others

18. Why Are Other People So Important?
19. How Can You Understand Other People’s Experiences?
20. Is Conflict Part of Being Human? Part Nine: Planning for a Better World
21. Can Psychology Help Save Planet Earth?

Glossary

Index

About the Author

What Makes Me “Me”? An Excerpt from Psychology for Kids (PDF, 120KB)opens in new window
Excerpt from this lively and informative book, including a personality trait exercise.