Ellen Galinsky Knihy

"What kind of person do I want my child to be?" While there are countless parenting books covering topics like weaning and discipline, few provide research-based guidance on nurturing well-rounded children who can tackle life's challenges, communicate effectively, and embrace lifelong learning. Ellen Galinsky, through her studies and conversations with leading child development researchers, identifies essential life skills that parents can foster in their children. The good news is that these skills can be developed through simple, everyday actions that don't require financial investment and can be started at any time. Galinsky outlines seven critical areas for skill development: (1) focus and self-control; (2) perspective-taking; (3) communication; (4) making connections; (5) critical thinking; (6) taking on challenges; and (7) self-directed, engaged learning. For each skill, she presents research findings and practical strategies that parents can implement immediately. These skills must be actively nurtured, as they empower children to concentrate on their goals, facilitate learning, and communicate effectively. They are vital for navigating the complexities of modern life. This groundbreaking work is poised to become a classic in parenting literature, offering invaluable tools for raising capable, resilient children.

Blending cutting-edge research with engaging storytelling, The Breakthrough Years offers readers a paradigm-shifting comprehensive understanding of adolescence. Almost every adolescent has said to parents, “You JUST don’t understand.”