Brain Development

The experiences young children receive in the first three years of life are crucial to brain development. As your child receives loving care and stimulation, neural connections are formed between his brain cells. These connections form the wiring system of the brain. Your child's early experiences largely determine the strength and function of her brain's wiring system. Warm responsive parents, who cuddle and talk to their children and provide challenging learning experiences, promote healthy brain development for their children.

Brain Facts: Understanding the latest research

New technology allows the thorough study of the brain, like we've never seen before. These studies prove that a child's early development is determined by his daily environment and experiences, rather than genetics alone. Researchers now believe it is the plasticity of the brain, its ability to develop and change in response to the demands of the environment, that enables a child to learn to use computers, solve mathematical problems and learn foreign languages. In order to fully understand this information, we must first understand how a child's brain works and develops.

 

10 Tips for Promoting Healthy Development

  1. Be warm, loving and responsive
  2. Respond to the child's cues and clues
  3. Talk, read, and sing to your child
  4. Establish routines and rituals
  5. Encourage safe exploration and play
  6. Make TV watching selective
  7. Use discipline as an opportunity to teach
  8. Recognize that each child is unique
  9. Choose quality child care and stay involved
  10. Take care of yourself

- from I Am Your Child

 

 

[back to top]