Description

The most essential element in early childhood development and education is the quality and warmth of the relationships children form. Love to Learn demonstrates ways to strengthen and nurture these bonds, ultimately helping each child realize their fullest potential. Positive relationships formed during childhood are vital for healthy brain growth, resilience, and lifelong wellbeing. Children deeply need to feel loved, valued, listened to, and engaged with. When children are given the freedom and opportunity to explore the world through supportive relationships grounded in affection and respect, meaningful learning follows.

However, such supportive and caring relationships are sadly missing from many children’s lives today. Modern-day circumstances have made it increasingly difficult for children to form and sustain important emotional connections. Children today often grow up in smaller households, with fewer siblings, and more commonly in single-parent homes. They experience diminished interaction with adult friends and mentors outside of their immediate family. Contact with grandparents and other adult caregivers has also significantly declined. Compared to a decade ago, children spend 60% less time interacting with friends and devote only half as much time playing outdoors as did their parents’ generation. More of their time is now spent alone, immersed in electronic devices—screens that have also become a familiar refuge for parents. Additionally, today’s children often have schedules packed so tightly that they rarely have sufficient time to build lasting friendships.

Love to Learn presents a new vision for a future centered around relationships, where understanding how to bond and connect is recognized as a fundamental literacy. This transformative approach pushes beyond typical child-centered educational practices to a groundbreaking relationship-centered model. Filled with powerful stories of determination, empathy, and creative solutions, the book highlights inspiring innovations informed by the latest developments in neuroscience and technology—all aiming toward unleashing the unique potential within every child. Ultimately, this uplifting book aims to spark meaningful change in parenting approaches, redefine early childhood settings, and promote the creation of nurturing and supportive communities. It is designed to inspire, provoke thoughtful engagement, and reshape our very perception of childhood itself.