I taught middle and high school for thirty-five years. During that time I noticed that some students had exceptional vocabulary. They were more articulate than most of their peers. They had longer attention spans and were critical thinkers. What did most of them have in common? They were readers. They had a book in their backpacks or one at home. They were always reading some book. 

If you are a parent and you want your child be be successful in school, you don't need all that preschool educational software. All you need is a lap and a good book. When your children are old enough to read on their own, take them to the library every two weeks. The books are free.

So, those of you who are parents, are expecting to be parents, and even those of you who have no intention of having children (sometimes babies just happen), read to them. Just read to them.