An NPR Science Desk correspondent challenges the misleading child-rearing practices commonly recommended to parents, outlining alternatives grounded in international ancestral traditions that are being used effectively throughout the modern world. When Doucleff became a mother, she found the evidence behind modern parenting guidance frustratingly limited, and the conclusions often ineffective. She turned to parenting strategies from families in three of the world's most venerable communities: Maya families in Mexico, Inuit families above the Arctic Circle, and Hadzabe families in Tanzania. Here she shares the strategies she observed firsthand-- and reveals a universal parenting paradigm adapted for American families -- adapted from jacket.

Weird, wild West: The WEIRDest parents in the world ; Why do we parent the way we do -- Maya method. The most helpful kids in the world ; How to teach kids to do chores, voluntarily ; How to raise flexible, cooperative kids ; TEAM 1: Introduction to TEAM parenting: a better way to be together ; Master motivators: what's better than praise? -- Inuit emotional intelligence. Never in anger ; How to teach children to control their anger ; How to stop being angry at your child ; TEAM 2: Encourage, never force ; Introduction to parenting tools: Tools for tantrums; Tools for everyday misbehavior; Tools for sculpting behavior: stories, drama -- Hadzabe health. How did our ancient ancestors parent? ; The most confident kids in the world ; TEAM 3: Ancient antidote for anxiety and stress ; Ancient antidote for depression -- Western parenting 2. TEAM 4: A new paradigm for Western parents ; Sleep -- Epilogue: Practical sections. Train helpfulness; Train cooperation; Learn to motivate children; Learn to have less anger toward children; Discipline without words; Discipline with stories; Discipline through dramas; Boost confidence and self-reliance; Build emotional support for the family (and give yourself a break).