SECURE ATTACHMENT PROVIDES ADVANTAGES IN LIFE

I frequently write and speak about the fact that secure attachment has an enormous impact on success in life. Consistently meeting the needs of an baby has a dramatic, positive and long lasting influence on brain development. Children that are securely attached as a result of the the loving interaction from attuned parents are going to be most successful in learning.  

Making it a priority to provide what a growing brain need most is essential. When an infant learns that a caregiver is dependable this creates a secure base for the child. With this security wired in their brain a child is then ready to learn and explore the world. 

However, when reading or other cognitive learning is pushed on children at early ages optimal development does not occur. Children are not set up for success through ignoring the primary need of the brain. The needs of a developing brain does not change just because society has decided learning should happen earlier.

Due to my intense interest in making this critical information well know, I am thrilled to share an article entitled,  Your Baby SHOULDN'T Read written by Marsha Lucas, Ph. In the article Dr. Lucas states,"Early reading doesn't do much for your child's success in school, and there's evidence that it may even be detrimental."

Following is a portion of this excellent article:

"First and Foremost: The fundamental task of early childhood isn't learning to read, or to "get ahead" for school, or to impress the neighbors, or to give the folks something to brag about. Encouraging children to surge ahead beyond their real developmental needs leaves them with some really sludgy clean-up to grapple with later on.

The most important task of early childhood is experiencing a healthy, secure attachment in which the child's caregivers are attuned to the child's inner state and respond in a contingent manner.

Let me say that again. What kids need from the get-go is a parent who "gets" them, who pays attention to what's going on inside them, and who responds to them in a way that's actually related to what the kid is feeling.

Healthy, secure, attuned attachment gives kids some much deeper "advantages" in life than whether they learn to read early (and learning to read early doesn't actually give them any advantages, anyway - which I'll get to in section II below).

The research on attachment shows that there are a number of benefits which last a lifetime including but not limited to at least the following dozen:

1. The ability to sustain attention
2. Better management of physical reactions to emotions - leading to improved immunity and fewer stress-related illnesses
3. Less anxiety
4. Better relationships with childhood peers, and healthier relationships as adults
5. Fewer behavioral problems
6. Increased capacity for empathy
7. Greater ability to regulate mood (for example, calming down from excitement, or not getting caught up in frustration)
8. Enhanced skills in communicating emotions in healthy ways
9. Greater confidence and self-esteem(and it isn't just based on performance and grades, but rather a sense of abiding and healthy self-worth)
10. Better able to generate alternative solutions to interpersonal conflict
11. Enhanced insight into themselves, and others
12. Better modulation of fear, allowing for a willingness to explore and take on growthful challenges"

You can read the entire article here

* Marsha Lucas, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist and neuropsychologist, and has been practicing psychotherapy and studying the brain-behavior relationship for nearly twenty years.

Love Your Baby Brain Packet provides caring parents with easy loving ideas and insights. This simple packet instils confidence that you are providing what your baby REALLY needs!

BRAIN CONNECTIONS AND LOVING CONNECTIONS ARE CREATED WITH BOOKS - NOT DVD's

During brain presentations, participants frequently ask if DVD’s or programs to teach babies to read are a  good idea. I recently had grandmother ask if these are good gifts to give. I so appreciate these questions because this gives me the opportunity to continue to create the awareness that these are NOT good for children. It also provides the chance to share how much more advantageous book reading is for optimal learning and brain connections.

It is difficult for many well intentioned parents and grandparents  because these products  are marketed to say they are good for early development. The reality is they are just the opposite of what growing brains need!  

The National Scientific Council on the Developing Child reports:

“Although a varied array of experiences clearly stimulates learning in the preschool years, promotional statements about the superior brain building impacts of expensive “educational” toys and videos for infants and toddlers have no scientific support.”

 Sharing books with children however has been proven to benefit learning in numerous ways. Reading books to children needs to begin in infancy.

•         When a child is read to, cells in the brain are triggered within seconds.  Some existing connections in the brain are strengthened while new connections are formed.  This helps create a more defined and complex wiring in the brain. Repeated book reading experiences strengthen connections, which will benefit a child for life. 

•         Reading to a child is so important that the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that pediatricians prescribe reading activities to parents during their well child visits. The AAP also recommends no television for the first two years of a child’s life.

•        When reading a book, the child has the opportunity to hear direct language.  The brain makes connections for language development only through experiences of being spoken to directly.  Television and DVD’s do not provide the give and take of interactive language. 

•         A National Wildlife Federation report states, ““By the time most children attend kindergarten, they have watched more than 5,000 hours of television–enough time to earn a college degree.”

•        Studies have shown that children who are read to at home have a higher success rate in school. The National Commission on Reading found that reading aloud to a child is the single most important intervention for developing literacy skills.

Literacy skills development isn’t the only brain benefit that results from reading to a child. 

•         The time spent cuddling while reading is also very important.  This closeness helps the brain make valuable connections contributing to healthy emotional development.  Young babies also find the sound of the voice reassuring and calming.

•       Reading with children also presents the possibility for children to open up about feelings or things that are bothering them in a comfortable way.

•         Books also provide a way for adults to begin discussions to help children gain new perspectives and learn about people, places and things outside of their immediate environment.  

    The tag line I often use for braininsights is, "Inspiring REAL brain development for ALL young children."  Several of the points above are the reason I stress the word "REAL". Through sharing information based on scientific research, we can ensure that children have interactions with people and real objects. We will not be promoting the use of items that are detrimental, we will instead provide all that developing brains REALLY need!

For for information and REAL brain development activities ideas to use in everyday life go to www.braininsightsonline.com.



F

CHILDRENS BRAINS NEED SUPPORT!

Those of you that know me or follow my work already know the intense passion I have for making early brain development common knowledge. It continues to baffle me on why this is not yet information that every parent, grandparent, educator, judge, medical professional,  foster parent, social worker, community leader, policy maker, business owner, and voter knows! Every adult needs to know the impact the experiences in the early years has on the developing brain.  Science has been demonstrating this to us for years.  Now economists are revealing how cost beneficial it is for us to know this—and to do something about it! We ALL benefit when ALL children have well developed brains!

The primary focus of the awareness I want to create is the understanding of the dramatic difference we can so easily make on the physical development of young brains. Research clearly shows the powerful influence that results from positive early care giving experiences.

Early interactions directly influence the basis for social/emotional skills, self regulation, self perspective, physical development, language abilities and cognitive capabilities for life.  For this to occur, developing brains need, loving interaction, good nutrition, attuned parents, safety, opportunities to play, predictability, direct language experiences, nature and adults that understand early development.

We can no longer let this information be ignored. Every child is counting on us. The start of a new year ignites my desires to share this even more deeply (if that is possible!) It is my dream that 2011 is the year that EVERYONE learns what ALL children want ALL adults to know!  

Countless people are as impatient as I am. I have connected with so many wonderful and dedicated people throughout the world that are working to make a difference through sharing this information. This growing community has the capability of making an incredible impact.... and you are part of it.

Next week, I am going re-energize a campaign to make this happen. Together we can make a REAL difference in 2011! 

If you are as anxious as I am … you can start by sharing this post with everyone you know who cares about children (and the future of our world).  Let’s get this started! You are the first person in the process ... now let's see how many people we can get involved in January!!  

BRAIN INSIGHTS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A BABY

 ANNA HAS INSIGHTS… and questions!  

Anna says………

I realize I am only a few months old…..but there are several things I would really like to share from my perspective. Also due to the fact that I am new here, there are numerous things I would like to try to understand.  I am hoping you can help clarify the things I need to understand, and hopefully I can create some insights that will be beneficial. 

Coming into this world has been quite an experience already. In these first few months I have had a succession of new sensations that are both wonderful and overwhelming.  Whew….

I really cannot comprehend this number, but I have about 100 billion brain cells in my head! All of these brain cells are meant to make connections with other brain cells. Many of these connections were made during the 9 months prior to my birth. But the thing is, 9 months was not long enough to connect 100 billion brain cells. I need much more time for my brain to develop. AND….this doesn’t just magically happen!

While genetics certainly has an impact on the way my brain develops, experience has a dramatic influence on how my brain physically grows and develops. If I were to just sit in an infant seat or lay in a crib, I would not have the experiences I need to wire my brain. I HAVE TO have experiences for the cells to make connections.

So, throughout my life I will be continuously making connections due to the experiences I have. However, something I want all of the adults in my life to know is, 90% of my brain growth will happen before I go to kindergarten.  These early experiences I am having now create the foundation for my physical, emotional, cognitive, and social skills in life. So, hours now have more impact on my brain than months will when I am an adult. However…..  PLEASE do not think that means I should be pushed to learn more at this age!!!  I will tell you more about that in another blog (How about that, I have already learned what a blog is!) But, for now what I need most is nourishment, safety, loving interaction, warmth, and touch. I also love when I am read, sung, or talked to, and have time on the floor to play, move, build muscles, and explore on my own.

My question is….. why is it that ALL adults don’t know all of this yet? Scientists have revealed that the early years are the time when a majority of brain development is occurring for over 20 years.  But, from what I have seen most people do not know this yet.  Can you explain to me why this is not common knowledge? I hope we can change this VERY SOON! Every new baby born wants all of the adults in their life to know this! If you would help by telling others about the information I have shared …. I think we can make this happen!  

I sure like sharing this important information with you… but I am tired now.  I need my morning nap."

For easy activity and loving interaction ideas to have on hand for busy everyday life, 
it is all right here in 

Brain Development Activity Packets one for each age 0 - 5!

Life is Better When You Have Brain Insights!
www.BrainInsightsonline.com
 

VALUABLE BRAIN PATHWAYS ARE CREATED THROUGH PLAY

Since strong brain connections are made through repetition, I am going to say it again..... young brains develop best through play! Brain pathways for learning are made through being read to, imaginative and self-directed play, positive interactions with caring adults, outdoor play with other children, and exploring real objects.

I am extremely enthused by this wonderful article from the New York Times, The Movement to Restore Children's Play Gains Momentum. Most of the information shared in this article is the same message I share when doing brain presentations on, "Learning About Learning". So, it is so exciting for me to see the emphasis on the benefits of play increasing! It is thrilling to frequently become aware of new programs, projects, and initiatives to promote play. This article shares the amazing response to one effort:

"To try to reach more parents, a coalition called Play for Tomorrow this fall staged what amounted to a giant play date in Central Park. The event, known as the Ultimate Block Party, featured games like I Spy, mounds of Play-Doh, sidewalk chalk, building blocks, puzzles and more. The National Science Foundation was closely involved, advising organizers — and emphasizing to parents — the science and the educational value behind each of the carefully chosen activities. Organizers were hoping to attract 10,000 people to the event. They got more than 50,000."

Additionally, it is wonderful to know that the value and science behind each activity was shared with parents.  In my experience adults benefit from understanding the way in which early experiences impact brain connections. It is helpful and reassuring to realize how the interactions or activities children are engaged in support neural development. 

One of the many reasons I developed Brain Development Activity Packets is to promote the type of play mentioned in this article. Busy parents need ideas right on hand to encourage fun activities through out the day,  I am so anxious for the day when children's days are primarily filled with play. Let's do all we can to make that day come soon!!












   

HEALTHY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT OCCURS THROUGH OUTDOOR PLAY

I continuously promote how critical it is for children have the opportunity to play and explore outdoors. Increasing research demonstrates the benefits nature and playing outdoors has on the developing brain. For example, studies reveal that children regularly exposed to green spaces for play have better motor coordination, fewer attention-deficit disorders, and have more ability to concentrate.  

Additionally, not only does science show us the benefits gained from time outdoors, but numerous sources are revealing the detrimental impacts the lack of nature plays.  

With this focus I am thrilled to share a guest post from Sue Atkins *.

Sue states:
I am passionate about making life with children easier and more rewarding, and I am extremely enthusiastic about helping you to bring up happy, confident, well-balanced adults; today's children - tomorrow's future.

This article written by Sue Atkins, was posted yesterday on the blog, Love Outdoor Play, in support of the campaign by the same name. You can find out more information about the campaign here. 

 

Sue Atkins: I Love Outdoor Play Because........

Outdoor play, climbing trees and riding bikes

I used to love taking my kids to the park when they were young and watching them run off to chase our dogs, jump, hide, shout, whistle, climb and explore the natural world.

Wrapped up warm with jumpers and wellies they always arrived back home with rosy cheeks, a healthy glow and a big smile.

Playgrounds are places where children’s play can take off and flourish.

Purpose of outdoor play

I think that there are two fundamental reasons why outdoor play is critical for young children.

Firstly, children develop their fine and gross motor gross skills through playing outside, as well as their dexterity and balance, all through exploring and risk-taking and having fun in the fresh air.

Secondly, children of today are growing up with so much technology, excessive TV and computer use that playing outside is really important and mustn’t be sidelined or lost, because it develops a child’s imagination, their physical stamina as well as keeping them fit.

Enjoyment of the outdoors

Ask any adult about what they loved to play as a child and you will bring back happy memories of making mud pies, jumping in puddles or climbing up trees.

Outdoor play is one of the things that characterises childhood.

Children need opportunities to explore, experiment, manipulate, explore, change, marvel, discover, practice, dam up, push their limits, yell, sing, and create.

Learning about the world

Young children learn lots of things about the world from playing outside:

How snow sounds when you pad about on it when it has first fallen.

How ice sounds when you crunch over it.

How autumn leaves feel and sound when you run through them on a sunny October day.

They learn to explore the natural world by trying to stand sticks in sand.

They learn how plants grow.

How mud feels.

How it feels to run down a hill.

How fast they can go on their bike with the wind blowing in their face.

Learning outside is fun !

And through playing kids are learning about maths, science, ecology, gardening, nature, birds, mini beasts as well as the feel of the seasons, local weather and how to entertain and occupy themselves easily and enjoyably.

Learning about self and the environment

To learn about their own physical and emotional capabilities, children must push their limits.

How high can I swing?

Do I dare to go down this big slide?

How high can I climb I wonder?

I wonder if I can go down the slide headfirst?

To learn about the physical world, the child must experiment with the physical world.

Letting of steam

As a former Deputy Head and class teacher for 22 years I found kids needed to “let off some steam” regularly from the sitting and listening mode of a classroom and going outside to play was a very important part of helping them concentrate and learn both in and out of the classroom.

Health

Also surveys have shown that children who learn to enjoy the outdoors have a much higher likelihood of becoming adults who enjoy hiking, gardening, jogging, bicycling, golf, tennis or other outdoor activities.

Also I think playing and being active plays an important role in keeping children from obesity.

Allowing children to be children

So if you are a stressed out, tired and tense adult – get yourself and your kids down to the park to play this weekend! Join in with the running, jumping, climbing, swinging, racing, yelling, rolling, hiding, and making a big mess – let your BIG KID come out – you’ll laugh, release tension, have fun, get some exercise and relax !

You’ll also build some memories that will last all your lifetimes!

Isn’t what childhood is all about?

If you are interested in promoting or providing outdoor learning you will enjoy knowing about : Naturally Developing Brains

 

.   * Sue Atkins is a Parenting Expert who offers practical guidance for bringing up happy, confident, well behaved children. She is also the author of “Raising Happy Children for Dummies” one in the black and yellow series published worldwide and the highly acclaimed Parenting Made Easy CDs. She regularly appears on BBC Breakfast and The Jeremy Vine Show on BBC Radio 2 and her parenting articles are published all over the world.