The Raising of America Episode 1: The Series Signature Hour
Episode 1 of the 5-part series The Raising of America
The U.S. is the wealthiest, most powerful country in the world. So why has our child well-being fallen behind so many other developed nations? An alarming number of American children are following low developmental trajectories from the start. They enter adulthood with learning challenges and mental and physical health difficulties.
But population health is not all that’s at risk, researchers argue. By under-investing in early childhood we are also under-developing America.
What infants and toddlers need for a strong start is no mystery. A nurturing environment - safe, stable, and responsive – builds sturdy brain architecture, the foundation for future development. The Raising of America interweaves discoveries from neuroscience with vivid stories of families and communities struggling to provide that nurturing environments their youngest children need. Too often they find their efforts hindered by social and economic forces: stagnant wages and job insecurity, lack of paid parental and family leave, childcare that is both poor quality and financially out of reach, racial stigma and social exclusion.
This growing squeeze for time, money and resources has made American middle-class life increasingly precarious. A 20-year Wisconsin study shows that stressors on parents when their children are infants and toddlers increase the risk of those children growing up with a hyper-reactive ‘fight-or-flight’ stress response. The personal and social costs? More emotional, behavior, substance abuse and learning problems later in life.
Those facing the highest risks however, are the one in four children born into poverty, their parents often feeling anxious and fearful they won’t be able provide what their children need in our fend-for-yourself society.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We all benefit when we as a society better assure that communities, families and caregivers can provide the conditions in which all children have the opportunity to flourish. Pre-school teacher Aiyauna Terry, embracing her young students, puts the challenge this way: “This is the future right here. Invest in them. Invest in their parents. If you want America to get back on top, invest in these children now. They’re not going to fail you, but we can’t fail them now.” The fate of the nation may hang in the balance.
"An extraordinarily important and moving film... Anyone caring about our country's future needs to see it, discuss it, and ask our politicians how they propose to improve conditions for all our youngest children and their families."
Barry Zuckerman, MD, Founder, Reach Out and Read
"Offers a powerful wake-up call…This important film reveals how we consistently underinvest in our youngest children and fail to provide the supports families need...We can and must all do more."
Mary Bassett, MD, MPH, New York City Commissioner of Health
"A stirring call to action!...The Raising of America underscores the clear and compelling science: supporting families and enriching the early experiences of our children makes us a better and stronger nation."
Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP, Author, The Happiest Toddler on the Block
"This brilliant film should be used to start conversations throughout our communities, our states and hopefully, our nation about how we can better assure every child a strong start -- and our nation a brighter future."
Bertram Lubin, MD, President & CEO, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland
"Offers powerful testimony to why we must comprehensively invest in the lives of our parents and children--so that every family has the chance for stability, health, and success."
Malika Saada Saar, Founder, Rights4Girls
"Makes a compelling case for the roadmap that will make the United States a much healthier nation. Should we follow this pathway we are sure to...be amongst the healthiest nations in a generation."
Georges C. Benjamin, MD, Executive Director, American Public Health Association
"Should be required viewing for every lawmaker, employer and advocate in this country. It weaves together a powerful mix of historical facts, personal narratives, expert opinions and data...As a nation, we must do more to build a better future and this film provides a roadmap for how to get there."
Debra L. Ness, President, National Partnership for Women & Families
"Most hard-working American families do everything they can for their children’s sake. Yet more and more are finding that no matter how hard they try, they just can’t provide for their children’s basic needs, putting our nation’s future in jeopardy. The Raising America shines a bright light on these families’ everyday heroism, the hope and potential that live inside every child, and the practical steps we all can take to get our country back on the road to progress before it’s too late."
Joshua Sparrow, MD, Director, Brazelton Touchpoints Center, Boston Children's Hospital
"A beautiful mind is a terrible thing to waste, but by neglecting the basic needs of our smallest and most vulnerable citizens, America does it every day. This powerful documentary should focus our energies on building the vital resources needed for early childhood health and development."
Barbara Ehrenreich, author, Nickel and Dimed
The Raising of America: Episode 1: The Series Signature Hour
Episode 1 of the 5-part series The Raising of America
Companion Website
A full suite of video clips, interactives, discussion guides, action tool kits and other resources can be found on the companion online hub at www.raisingofamerica.org
Related Titles
Ways to Watch
Educational Streaming
Recommended for Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations
Community Screening
Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (where no admission is charged)
Home Viewing
48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply