GA Parent Power (February 1/2): Brain Development
Babies are born ready to learn. Every experience – every connection -- helps shape the basis of how they think, their behavior, and even their earning potential and long-term health.
Years of brain research has shown that during the first few years of life 700 to 1,000 new neural connections are made per second. It’s why this period of time is so important in a child’s life even though he will continue to form new connections throughout his lifetime.
You should think of the brain like any other muscle in the body: if you do not use it, it does not get stronger and develop.
So, what can you do to ensure that your young child receives the most beneficial experiences to help build his brain? Several great ways to support brain development with your child include:
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- be loving and supportive
- be attentive and take care of their needs
- maintain eye contact with them and talk, sing and read to them frequently
- maintain eye contact with them and talk, sing and read to them frequently
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The following websites provide information and resources to help you understand about your child’s growing brain as well as suggestions for activities to do together. Zero to Three Tips for Brain Development in Young Children