Emotional Intelligence - Why it can matter more than IQ  by Daniel Goleman

There was a time when IQ was considered the leading determinant of success. In this fascinating book, based on brain and behavioural research, Daniel Goleman argues that our IQ- idolising view of intelligence is far too narrow. Instead, Goleman makes the case for "emotional intelligence" being the strongest indicator of human success. He defines emotional intelligence in terms of self-awareness, altruism, personal motivation, empathy and the ability to love and be loved by friends, partners, and family members. People who possess high emotional intelligence are the people who truly succeed in work as well as play, building flourishing careers and lasting, meaningful relationships. Because emotional intelligence isn't fixed at birth, Goleman outlines how adults as well as parents of young children can sow the seeds

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Building Healthy Minds - The six experiences that create intelligence and emotional growth in babies and young children  by Stanley Greenspan

Stanley Greenspan identifies six key experiences which enable children to reach their full potential as human beings. He describes different children and explains how their needs will differ from birth. The book gives a wealth of practical advice about how to treat children as individuals and foster the development of healthy emotional and intellectual growth.

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Teach Your Child How to Think  by Edward de Bono

Attempting to show parents how to teach their children how to think, this book shows how children can be taught to think for themselves rather than filling their heads with actual facts. A challenging task, and a challenging read, but some very useful exercises in developing thinking skills.

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Children’s Minds  by Margaret Donaldson

A classic book that lays out Piaget's theory but goes on to challenge some aspects. Donaldson suggests that children are capable of more than Piaget believed. An essential read for those particularly interested in the thinking skills of young children.

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Successful Child: What Parents Can Do to Help Kids Turn Out Well  by William Sears, MD., Martha Sears, RN., and Elizabeth Pantley

William Sears, a pediatrician, provides advice on how parents can give children the tools they need to succeed in life. He begins by examining the connection parents develop with their children both before they are born and while they are young and most trusting, the connection that will develop their emotional and intellectual "tools." In the second half of the book, Sears advises parents on how to convert their children's good emotional habits into more specific skills needed for success--communication, compassion, health and fitness, and self-esteem. He focuses as much on developing spiritual values in children as steering them toward healthy diets and good study habits. Sears emphasises that success cannot be measured simply by the attainment of good grades, career advancement, and wealth. He offers very solid advice, exercises, and evaluations to help parents guide their children from infancy through adolescence.

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