December 4, 2019
Top 5 Ways to Develop Your Child’s Brain
[1] First, understand what’s going on in your child’s brain.
[Graph] Birth to age 3 is the most critical time for brain development. It is the peak opportunity for neurological connections to form that lay the foundation for lifelong brain functionality.
This foundation leads to healthy behavior and makes it possible to learn skills.
90% of these connections occur before the age of 3.
So what activities will most help develop toddler brains to be successful later in school and life?
For toddlers brains to develop, feeling an emotional bond with parents and primary caregivers matters most. More than socializing with peers, learning numbers and colors, or having lots of “activities.”
‘Secure attachment’ occurs when a child has their needs recognized and responded to by a primary caregiver and their surroundings.
Secure attachment makes the neurological connections possible that enable children to learn lifelong skills such as resilience, focus, problem solving, believing in one’s ability to succeed with tasks and in specific situations, as well as language.
What toddlers most need is to feel secure, minute-by-minute - especially their primary caregiver - which happens when caregivers are engaged and prepared.
Research shows that before age three, toddlers do best in home-based settings, where they have less stress, illness and behavioral problems.
If daycare is your option, littles do better with fewer than thirty hours a week.
[2] Second, engage your children in ways that research shows create secure attachment.
[3] Be specific when you listen, talk and answer them throughout the day.
Praise the process, not just the result, so children feel good about their efforts no matter the outcome.
“You are working so hard on that puzzle, really thinking through where each piece fits. Try again!”
Help your child make connections.
“I know you like pineapple. Today we’re having papaya for breakfast. I think you’ll like it as much as pineapple. Let’s see what you think.”
Acknowledge and accept all emotions.
“Are you feeling happy? I see a big smile on your face.”
"You look a little sad. Is there something you want to talk about?"
Describe what you see your child doing rather than just saying, “Good job.”
“Wow, you’ve added lots of squiggly lines and circles to your drawing.”
[4] Prepare them ahead of transitions.
“After lunch, we will sit in the rocking chair and read a story. Then I will put on music and you will take a nap in your crib.”
[5] Share this
With caregivers, friends, and family!
Sources
Building a Secure Attachment Bond with Your Baby - Help Guide
Listen Talk Answer Support Learning - NAEYC