Ellen Galinsky

Ellen Galinsky (born April 1942) is an American author known for her work in family-related studies, specifically parenthood and child-care. Galinsky is the author of over 100 books and reports, as well as more than 300 articles.

Galinsky is the co-founder of Families and Work Institute and currently serves as its president and director.

Biography

Early life and education Ellen Galinsky was born on April 24, 1942, to Melvin H. and Leora May. Galinsky was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Galinsky co-founded and currently serves as president of the Families and Work Institute. She devised six stages of parenthood and describes them in her book, The Six Stages of Parenthood. Galinsky's work on this book was influenced by Erik Erikson and Daniel Levinson.

The Image-Making Stage This stage occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by the parents imaging what parenthood will look like. During this stage, parents consider what their roles will be and how they will parent. Further, they plan and make changes necessary for the care of an infant.

The Nurturing Stage The nurturing stage begins when the child is born. It is characterized by forming a relationship and attachment with the child. Other relationships must be recreated to include their new child. This stage is the most challenging because their infant is completely dependent on the parent. This book outlines seven skills that will help children develop successfully. These seven skills are focus and self control, perspective taking, communication, making connections, critical thinking, taking on challenges, self-directed engaged learning.

Works

Books

Galinsky, Ellen. Mind in the Making: The Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs. United States, HarperCollins, 2010. Galinsky, Ellen. The Six Stages Of Parenthood. United States, Hachette Books, 1987. Galinsky, Ellen. Ask the Children: The Breakthrough Study That Reveals How to Succeed at Work and Parenting. United States, HarperCollins, 2000. Galinsky, Ellen. Ask the children : what America's children really think about working parents. New York, HarperCollins, 1999. David, Judy, and Galinsky, Ellen. The Preschool Years: Family Strategies That Work—From Experts and Parents. United States, Random House Publishing Group, 1990.

Media and conferences Galinsky has appeared on several television programs. She has been on PBS, CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, and World News Tonight. Additionally, Galinsky has appeared on Mister Roger's talks to parents, hosted by Fred Rogers, and What Every Baby Knows, hosted by T. Berry Brazelton. Lifetime Achievement Award (2022)

Criticisms There is little research on developing parenthood. As of right now, the six stages are theoretical. Further, it is unknown whether these stages are generalizable across different demographics. There is also no research on differences in each stage.