The founder and director of the Thirty Million Words Initiative, Professor Dana Suskind, explains why the most important—and astoundingly simple—thing you can do for your child’s future success in life is to to talk to them. What nurtures the brain to optimum intelligence and stability? It is a secret hiding in plain sight: the most important thing we can do for our children is to have conversations with them. The way you talk with your growing child literally builds his or her brain. Parent talk can drastically improve school readiness and lifelong learning in everything from math to art. Indeed, parent–child talk is a fundamental, critical factor in building grit, self-control, leadership skills, and generosity. It is crucial to making the most in life of the luck you have with your genes. This landmark account of a new scientific perspective describes what works and what doesn't (baby talk is fine; relentless correction isn't). Discover how to create the best "language environments" for children by following the simple structure of the Three Ts: Tune In; Talk More; Take Turns. Dr. Suskind and her colleagues around the country have worked with thousands of families; now their insights and successful, measured approaches are available to all. This is the first book to reveal how and why the first step in nurturing successful lives is talking to children in ways that build their brains. Your family—and our nation—need to know. *Nominated for the Books for a Better Life Award*

***INSTANT New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestseller*** 2023 Gold Winner — Nautilus Book Award World-class pediatric surgeon, social scientist, and best-selling author of Thirty Million Words Dr. Dana Suskind returns with a revelatory new look at the neuroscience of early childhood development—and how it can guide us toward a future in which every child has the opportunity to fulfill their potential. Her prescription for this more prosperous and equitable future, as clear as it is powerful, is more robust support for parents during the most critical years of their children’s development. In her poignant new book, Parent Nation, written with award-winning science writer Lydia Denworth, Dr. Suskind helps parents recognize both their collective identity and their formidable power as custodians of our next generation. Weaving together the latest science on the developing brain with heart-breaking and relatable stories of families from all walks of life, Dr. Suskind shows that the status quo—scores of parents convinced they should be able to shoulder the enormous responsibility of early childhood care and education on their own—is not only unsustainable, but deeply detrimental to the wellbeing of children, families, and society. Anyone looking for a blueprint for how to build a brighter future for our children will find one in Parent Nation. Informed by the science of foundational brain development as well as history, political science, and the lived experiences of families around the country, this book clearly outlines how society can and should help families meet the developmental needs of their children. Only then can we ensure that all children are able to enjoy the promise of their potential.

Encourages parents to help optimize their child's neural development along with their vocabularies to ensure future success in school and life through tuning in to what they are doing, speaking to them using many descriptive words, and engaging them in conversations.

This is the second edition of the practical, easy-to-read, research-based guidebook that shows professionals and parents how to talk to and play with young children, ages 0-6, in ways that directly support their emerging language skills.

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 Parent talk is the most important resource for developing a child’s brain. Without it, children can suffer the lifelong effects of silence. With it, they can soar. #2 The author is a pediatric cochlear implant surgeon, and he wrote the book on parent talk because he believes that parent talk is the key to helping children hear with a cochlear implant. #3 The cochlear implant is a surgical procedure that allows deaf people to hear. It was developed in the 1990s, and its significance was increased when it coincided with the development of a neurologic miracle, the universal newborn screening. #4 The brain and neural structures in the human body are generally unforgiving. From cerebral palsy to strokes, from spinal cord injuries to football-related head trauma, making better rather than correcting tends to be the medical dictum.

The opportunity to become a parent is truly a gift. When we step into one of the most challenging and important roles we will ever play, we are provided with the opportunity to unwrap this precious gift and create an amazing adult. In a comprehensive reference manual, Dr. Shanon Gibson relies on her experience as a seasoned teacher, educational entrepreneur, and infant/toddler developmental specialist to share strategies and insight for parents, educators, counselors, and caregivers that encourage positive early childhood experiences and the development of a whole person to achieve ideal lifelong outcomes. Dr. Gibson provides valuable information on the latest research findings, the growth of a child’s brain, developmental milestones related to a child’s birth gender, and concrete methods to change negative behaviors, build resilience, limit screen time and technology, teach social skills, and much more. Additionally, Dr. Gibson defines sensory processing and the eight sensory systems to help caregivers understand the uniqueness of every child and then successfully parent around it. The Gift of Parenting is a compassionate guide to unwrapping a child’s potential during early development to ensure the creation of a happy, productive adult.