How to build your baby's brain A parent's guide to using new gene science to raise a smart, secure, and successful child

Child development and behavior expert Gross (The Only Way Out Is Through) begins her latest book with the daunting assertion that you are the single greatest determinant of your child's personality, intellect, and future. According to the author, much of a child's development occurs in the first 100 days of life, and each and every experience can biologically impact the brain during this critical period. Downplaying the impact of the village and upgrading the power of an individual's influence, Gross argues that a strong parental bond decreases a fear of failure and other disciplinary issues that can thwart growth. A recipient of the Spirit of Freedom Award from the Dalai Lama, Gross grew up in a learning-rich environment, with a mother who encouraged creative play of all types. Gross's advice draws on the works of prominent psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Erik Erickson, but is as simple as ABC: bond with baby, coordinate the age and neurological stage to maximize learning potential, and teach stress-reduction techniques, creative visualization, and exercises to aid in focus and concentration. VERDICT With concrete ideas on incorporating yoga movement to aid brain development or devising a learning-based playlist on your iPod to outdoor play, smart media usage, and eye-and-breathing relaxation methods, this valuable work combines hard research with practical ideas that parents of children from birth to age four can easily implement in their day-to-day life.

Child development and behavior expert Gross (The Only Way Out Is Through) begins her latest book with the daunting assertion that you are the single greatest determinant of your child's personality, intellect, and future. According to the author, much of a child's development occurs in the first 100 days of life, and each and every experience can biologically impact the brain during this critical period. Downplaying the impact of the village and upgrading the power of an individual's influence, Gross argues that a strong parental bond decreases a fear of failure and other disciplinary issues that can thwart growth. A recipient of the Spirit of Freedom Award from the Dalai Lama, Gross grew up in a learning-rich environment, with a mother who encouraged creative play of all types. Gross's advice draws on the works of prominent psychologists such as Jean Piaget and Erik Erikson, but is as simple as ABC: bond with baby, coordinate the age and neurological stage to maximize learning potential, and teach stress-reduction techniques, creative visualization, and exercises to aid in focus and concentration. VERDICT With concrete ideas on incorporating yoga movement to aid brain development or devising a learning-based playlist on your iPod to outdoor play, smart media usage, and eye-and-breathing relaxation methods, this valuable work combines hard research with practical ideas that parents of children from birth to age four can easily implement in their day-to-day life.--Julia M. Reffner, Richmond