If you're a working parent who feels guilty about how much time you spend with your kids, stop worrying. A recent study says today's parents spend considerably more time with their offspring than parents did 50 years ago.

From 1965 to 2012, all but one of 11 Western countries -- France was the exception -- showed a dramatic increase.

Why is this important? Researchers say the more a parent talks to a baby, the better that child's vocabulary is and the better it does in school.

On the surface this seems like an education issue, but Georgia public health officials have found that the long-term health impact can be significant — children with an extensive vocabulary perform better in school and are more likely to become college-educated adults, suffering less from ailments such as hypertension, obesity and depression.

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Blooper celebrates the Atlanta Brave’s 5-0 win over the New York Mets during a MLB game Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at Truist Park. This year, the venue is a first-time host of the MLB All-Star game. (Daniel Varnado for the AJC)

Credit: Daniel Varnado for the AJC

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Braves first baseman Matt Olson (left) is greeted by Ronald Acuña Jr. after batting during the MLB Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities on Monday, July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta. (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC