BRAIN FACT: Continuous Or Intense Stress Can Affect Children's Brain Development

Continuous or intense stress can affect children’s brain development. When children have repeated or long term exposure to stressful experiences this results in increased levels of stress chemicals that can cause lasting damage. However, children actually learn how to cope when exposed to regular stress. This occurs when a caring adult consistently responds to the child.

I am thrilled to see a recent article in The Seattle Times by Jerry Large discussing a symposium on the impact of stress on the brain and how critically important it is to address these issues. You can read the article, The Science of Healthy Children here.

In my brain presentations on the impact of relationships,  I often show the clip of the still face experiment mentioned in this article.  You can view it here: 

BRAIN FACT: The Easiest Time For The Brain To Learn A Second Language Is During The Pre-School Years

The easiest time for the brain to learn a second language is during the pre-school years.  Research indicates there may be additional benefits when learning multiple languages.  Children can develop better overall verbal skills, a better vocabulary, and sequencing abilities.

This article, Brain Boosting Activities, from Sue Hubbard, M.D. The Kids Doctor, points out the value of multiple language learning along with other areas that support optimal brain development. 

BRAIN FACT: A Child Will Make Trillions Of Connections In The First Five Years

While the brain makes connections throughout life, a child will make trillions of initial connections in the first five years. Research demonstrates that play and interactive experiences in nature have a very positive impact on healthy brain development.

Carol Torgan, Ph.D has put together a extremely valuable list of over 200 resources related to play. You can enjoy it here. 

BRAIN FACT: The Developing Brain Learns Best Through Play

The developing brain learns best through play. Children need each day filled with opportunities to learn through fun and interactive experiences. Pushing young children toward academics is not supportive of optimal development.

"Play-based preschools and kindergartens show significantly better long-term outcomes, both academically and socially, than didactic and overly academic programs for young children. Yet false assumptions about the importance of learning discrete cognitive skills, such as decoding and phonics, at an early age have led many schools to adopt developmentally inappropriate practices in kindergarten."

This statement is included in a policy brief  from The Alliance for Childhood. HERE is the complete brief.

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER: The Grand Issue!

Click Here to read the November braininsights Newsletter.  This issue is full of brain development resources.  Check it out!

Sign up to have the newsletter delivered directly to your inbox here. 

BRAIN FACT: Babies Need Loving Interaction

Babies need loving interaction, touch, and parents that are tuned into their needs, as much they need nutrition.

Numerous people have been in contact with me recently due to this critically important understanding. As a result I sharing this previous blog with the exciting research that demonstrates the impact loving a baby makes! 

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.   

BRAIN FACT: Age Appropriate Activities Support Optimal Development

Providing activities that are just right for the child’s stage of development is going to enhance brain development best.  Activities that are too advanced or too easy do not support optimal development.

I recently connected with Susan at Productive Parenting. This site is very valuable for providing activities for the appropriate ages. http://www.productiveparenting.com/

To spread help spread the word, tell everyone you know about a FREE opportunity to easily learn more about brain development!! Hope to connect with you there!!  Register for the Free Webinar HERE.