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Baby Brain Development (WHAT THE EXPERTS WANT US TO KNOW (Brain…
Baby Brain Development
WHAT THE EXPERTS WANT US TO KNOW
Brain development continues, even after age 3
Neglect of infants can be
as
harmful (if not more harmful) than abuse
Removing a child from an environment does
not
guarantee reversal of negative environmental impacts
Resilience develops from infants having supportive relationships,
not
some kind of inner character or "toughness"
Brain development impacted by interaction between genetics
and
environment, not genetics alone
Significant stress can negatively impact brain development in infants and young children
Positive relationships with responsive caregivers--parents
AND
others-- is beneficial for building young children's brain architecture
Exposure to adversity/violence does NOT guarantee a child will exhibit major stress or violence later on
WHAT PARENTS/CAREGIVERS CAN DO
Engage in "back and forth" interaction from birth on
make eye contact--to provide social interaction
chat --to develop language skills and vocabulary
stretch out "learning moments"
Give positive reinforcement and praise
Seek support
positive relationships also beneficial for adults
service organizations increasing training to provide support
Find ways to reduce/better manage stress
Establish life skills to promote executive function ability
age 0-3: following simple rules, focusing attention, responding to limit setting
WHAT HAPPENS IN THE 1ST YEAR
Baby brains trying to make sense of everything--"genius time"
Brain always coding--looking for signals
Brain pre-wired-- further wiring/growth dependent on environmental/social factors
"Serve and return" interactions between infant and caregiver stimulate growth
100 billion neurons present at birth begin to connect to other neurons
Social contact may serve as a portal to linguistic, cognitive and emotional development
WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Early intervention!!!
Supporting responsive relationships
adults must provide serve and return interaction to achieve a solid foundation
necessary executive functioning groundwork laid down by these relationships
Strengthening core life skills
learned skills, not innate, and necessary for success in life
even age 0-3 can begin to learn limits, rules
Reducing sources of stress
poverty, substance abuse, violence, mental illness can create toxic stress--support essential
Better stress management=stronger executive functioning skills
Policies and policy makers committed to supporting better outcomes