Raising the 21st Century Child

Why are young children the most creative creatures on the planet, and how do they learn more in the first five years of life than during any other five-year period in their lifetimes? Take a visual tour of brain development through the first 2,000 days of a child’s life, and learn about the role we play in developing a child’s mind during this incredible—and consequential—period. Patricia Kuhl Speakers: Patricia K. Kuhl

Economic inequality is more dramatic and pervasive than ever before, and the physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of many of our kids is at stake. What impact are single parents and young parents with extremely limited resources having on the recession’s most vulnerable generation? What are the local innovations that are bubbling up to shift our course? What is the new research on solutions that warrant our investment? Speakers: Anne Mosle, Paul Tough, Peter Edelman

Can schools teach character? Should they? And what do we mean by "character," anyway? Three school leaders discuss the theory and practice of character education and debate whether failure is an essential stop on a child's road to success. Co-Presented with NBC News' "Education Nation" Speakers: Andrea Mitchell, Dominic Randolph, Russell Shaw, Paul Tough

Twenty-first century parents are bombarded with parenting advice. From demanding over achievement from our children to the extreme hands-off approach to everything in between, isn't time we have a conversation about what the goal of parenting should be? In this session, Erika Christakis, Amy Chua, Lawrence Cohen and Ellen Galinsky discuss the loaded issue of parenting. Lori Gottleib moderates the panel. Speakers: Erika Christakis, Amy Chua, Lawrence J Cohen, Ellen Galinsky, Lori Gottlieb

Economic forces shaping family life have undone many of the benefits of traditional marriage. In the wake of this change, a new type of marriage has emerged: one shaped by shared experiences and passions, in which partners are equals sharing the roles of parent and breadwinner. In this session, two economists who are colleagues and coauthors as well as partners and coparents explore how economics can help us understand the deeper forces responsible for these changes in family life and how you can use the principles of economics to help make better decisions in the domestic domain. Speakers: Betsey Stevenson, David Leonhardt, Justin Wolfers

What Works? Do we have a "boy problem"? Academically, socially, emotionally, and economically, boys and young men seem to be losing ground. Just ask the increasing number of parents who are finding their young-adult sons back at home with few prospects and fewer coping skills. But is this assessment fair - or accurate? What's causing the problem and how can we turn it around? Who is getting it right? Separate fact from fiction and gain insight into how best to nurture boys into thoughtful, capable, and responsible men (here's a hint: Men play a key role!). Speakers: Michael Kimmel, Michael Thompson, Chris Howard

Most people in the world believe the future will be better than the present (according the Gallup World Poll). Unfortunately, most people struggle to turn that optimism into hope. Surprising research shows us how all people can think about the future in ways that can help us behave in our best interests. The takeaway from over 100 studies: Psychologically investing in the future makes us more successful at school and work and happier today. Speakers: Shane Lopez

We all know that the new media that engulf us daily have powerful effects, and particularly on children. But how, exactly, are kids being affected? In deep, as well as superficial, ways? For good or for ill? And, most important, what can we do to make sure that children, families, and the larger society are the winners? Speakers: Howard Gardner, James P. Steyer

Should you ban violent video games? When should kids be allowed to use Facebook? Should preteens have cell phones? Does the Internet give kids ADHD? The founder of Common Sense Media discusses his new book, which offers insights and essential tools to help filter content, preserve good relationships with children, and make common-sense, value-driven judgments for kids of all ages. Speakers: James P. Steyer, Scott Stossel

By trying to provide the perfectly happy childhood, a generation of parents may be making it harder for their kids to actually grow up. Learn how our preoccupation with choice, self-esteem, and happiness may be yielding a generation marked by entitlement, materialism, narcissism, and an inability to face the challenges of adult life. Speakers: Katie Couric, Lori Gottlieb, Madeline Levine, Polly Young-Eisendrath

The Yale professor, author, and outspoken mom talks about her life and family and explains her take on child-rearing— and why the firestorm around her 2011 book Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother took her by surprise. Speakers: Amy Chua

Anne-Marie Slaughter's Atlantic cover story about women's work-life balance dilemma has rekindled the longstanding debate that is resonating with women and men alike. Slaughter answers questions about the praise and criticism her article received in this interview with Katie Couric. This talk covers the following—available in clips on the bottom of the video player: • Tremendous Response from Men as Well as Women • Options Instead of Opting Out • Maternal v. Paternal Instincts • Accommodating All Kinds of Families • How Can We Have It All? Speakers: Anne-Marie Slaughter, Katie Couric