THE BRAINIAC MOM Psychotherapist-author Tina Bryson bases her parenting techniques on the latest research on children’s brains. BY ILSA SETZIOL
A WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON AT THE BRYSON FAMILY’S HOME IN SAN MARINO: LANKY 11-YEAR-OLD BEN IS HOME FROM SCHOOL, SICK, AND READING HARRY POTTER ON THE SOFA. DAD IS WRITING IN AN ADJACENT OFFICE. AND J.P. — A 4-YEAR-OLD WITH A MOP OF RED HAIR TOPPED WITH A DODGERS CAP — IS HANGING OUT WITH MOM IN THE DINING ROOM. BEFORE YOU KNOW IT, J.P. SPIDERMANS UP A WOBBLY CHINA CABINET IN PURSUIT OF A TOY PLANE. A SET OF MIDNIGHT BLUE FLORAL POTTERY IS ABOUT TO FLY. “J.P., what are you looking for?” asks Mom, impossibly calmly. She walks over to the boy and places a hand on him but doesn’t pull him off. “Stop for a second,” she continues. “Does your body –continued on page 14 12 | ARROYO | 08.11