I want my child to have a good life. I want them to do well in school, earn a good living, and succeed in society. Above all, I want them to be healthy and happy. But I don't know exactly what I should do to help make that happen. I don't know if they're naturally gifted, and I don't have much to leave behind for them. Still, I want my child to live a wonderful life. For parents who feel this earnest but frustrating longing, the author—a Stanford-trained brain scientist—offers a clear solution: habits. The habits the author refers to are "frequently repeated behaviors." The brain becomes wired according to the behaviors we repeat most often. A child who calms down with cocoa and cookies every time they're stressed develops a brain that needs cocoa and cookies to relieve stress. A child who calms down by taking a walk and drinking water when stressed develops a brain that craves a walk whenever stress hits, making their body want to move. The difference between these two children will likely show up in their build and stamina as adults. Behavior creates habits, habits shape the brain, and the brain in turn drives new behaviors. Which behaviors we repeat determines how the brain is formed, and the brain then makes certain behaviors easier and more natural to perform. This means that the habits formed during early childhood—the most critical period for brain development—play a huge role in shaping a child's learning ability, emotional regulation, personality, and ultimately, the direction and achievements of their entire life. The author, a brain scientist and mother of two, shows how easily overlooked everyday moments can create major changes in a child's development. Drawing on brain science research combined with real-world parenting experience, the book offers practical, easy-to-apply advice organized around three themes: habits that build a focused brain, habits that build a brain suited for learning, and habits that build a happy brain. If parents can gain this knowledge and use it to help their children's brains develop the ability to achieve things independently, parenting—which once seemed so difficult—will start to feel much more manageable. Have you been extending study time and pushing your child to study more, even if it meant butting heads with them? What if, instead, you could help your child build an exceptional brain—one that doesn't dread studying, that genuinely enjoys learning, and that can push through tough moments with resilience? ≪The Secret of Kids Who Achieve Things On Their Own≫ shows you exactly how to do that. The greatest gift a parent can give their child—why not pass it on through this book? ◎ Reader Reviews "While reading, I realized I needed this book even more than my child did—I wish there were an adult version! I've read a lot of habit-focused books based on brain science, but this one lays out practical steps in such detail that I highly, highly recommend it." (he*****, mom of a 7-year-old) "My favorite lecture series is Studio B's brain-science parenting course. Every time I listened to it, I wished there were a book that organized everything—and this book is exactly that. It's the kind of book you can pick up again and again whenever you need a refresher. The final chapter, which summarizes parenting practices for building an exceptional brain, is packed with such valuable information that I want to take a photo of it and keep it on my phone. I'd love to give this as a gift to families raising kids." (bio***09) "This book brought about a huge shift in how I parent. Just knowing I could trust and follow its guidance gave me peace of mind. Since it's grounded in brain science, and thanks to the doctor's thoughtful advice, I've had fewer conflicts with my child and have been able to create a more positive environment at home. Just buy it. I want to tell every parent I know that this is a must-read." (mo******, mom of a 9-year-old) "One of my biggest worries about giving my child a phone was digital media habits. After reading this book's advice on smartphone rules and managing phone use during study time, we started having phone-free family time—and it turned out to be surprisingly easy and fun without our phones. Our family bond has grown even stronger! I think it'd be great to apply the habit-building methods in this book depending on your specific situation. I'm already telling my friends who are moms about it...