The Child Code

A provocative, science-based approach to parenting centered on a child’s unique genetic “code,” from an award-winning developmental psychology professor and researcher.


With few exceptions, parenting books, websites, and podcasts emphasize the critical role of the parent in shaping a child’s destiny. But the obsession with parenting ignores a fundamental biological fact: that genetics affect every aspect of human behavior, and every child is uniquely “coded” with predispositions that affect everything from fearfulness, to impulsivity, to happiness.
 
In The Child Code, award-winning professor Dr. Danielle Dick draws from her research in developmental behavior genetics to debunk the myth that parenting techniques alone can determine a child’s behavior and future. Dr. Dick introduces readers to the 3 E’s that underlie each child’s unique predisposition—extraversion (Ex), emotionality (Em), and effortful control (Ef)—and shows that, in fact, the key to raising successful adults isn’t to try harder to mold them, but to adapt your parenting strategies to the way they are wired. This powerful and fresh approach not only diminishes friction and stress in families, but sets children up for true, authentic success in life.
 
Each chapter unpacks the science behind this unique approach, and provides practical, individualized strategies for parents to support their child’s strengths and to help them navigate their challenges.
 
Reassuring, with real takeaways, The Child Code offers parents an inspiring message: Their biggest job is to help their children become who they were literally born to be.

Danielle M. Dick, Ph.D., is the distinguished Commonwealth Professor of Psychology and Human and Molecular Genetics at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she directs a research institute on behavioral and emotional health. She is an internationally recognized and award-winning expert on genetic and environmental influences on human behavior. Dr. Dick has received grant funding totaling in excess of $25 million from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and private foundations. She has more than 300 peer-reviewed publications, and has won numerous national and international awards for her work.