BRAIN FACT: Watching TV Does Not Provide The Type of Experience That is Beneficial To The Brain

Direct interaction with objects and people provides optimal brain development.  Watching television does not provide the type of experience that is beneficial to the brain.

More information on this topic can be found here.       

BRAIN FACT: A Baby Will Give Signals Of An Over Stimulated Brain

When an infant becomes over stimulated, the baby will give signs to say, "This is too much for my undeveloped brain to handle."  Signals of over stimulation might be, hiccups, yawning, turning head away, closing eyes, clasping hands together, or whimpering.

Photo Credit: Nino Satria

BRAIN FACT: Even Short Amounts Of Time Looking At Nature Improves Brain Performance

Even short amounts of time, glimpses of nature, or even looking at photos of natural environments improves brain performance.

BRAIN FACT: Brains Of Children Who Experience Little Touch Or Play Develop Brains That Are 20%-30% Smaller

When children experience little touch or lack the opportunity for play their brains develop 20% - 30% smaller than normal for their age.

BRAIN FACT: All Children Need Nutrition, Stimulation, And Loving Interaction To Develop Healthy Brains

All children need nutrition, stimulation, and loving interaction to develop healthy brains. When these experiences are not provided brain development can be impaired.

JUNE NEWSLETTER: Summer Fun Issue

Check out the June issue of the braininsights newsletter here.  This month's issue focuses on Summer Fun and the Brain.

View past newsletters or sign up to have the free newsletter delivered to your inbox here.

Attachment and Early Brain Development

Anyone that has heard me present knows how I emphasize the critical importance of attachment.  This is an essential aspect of optimal brain development. As I often point out, it not only affects social/emotional development, behavior, and relationships, it also has an impact on cognitive development.

The body and the brain will not grow if there is an absence of touch. Through consistent and loving interactions, valuable connections will be made in the baby’s brain.  The feeling of security and predictability that the child learns through these interactions leads to an emotionally healthy child.

With my first granddaughter’s birth only a few weeks away I am looking forward to observing the secure attachment she will have with my daughter and son-in-law. They have a birth plan to have skin to skin time, also called Kangaroo Care, with her right after birth.

Yesterday I became aware of a wonderful post , written by Danielle Elwood, on Momotics. This blog post very clearly shares the value of this important and special time. As a result I just had to share this wonderful post.  Enjoy and share with others. As Danielle states it is important that this is practiced in all hospitals. Spread the word!