SECURE ATTACHMENT AFFECTS SOCIAL AND THINKING SKILLS

“Even very young developing brains need much more than physical caretaking. Babies also need sensitive, loving responses from the people around them. If they don't get this, the development of social and thinking skills may suffer.” 

  ~ Dave Riley, Ph.D Child Development Specialist

Read the full article by Dave Riley:  

HELPING TO FORM A SECURE ATTACHMENT

Attachment is so important to the overall healthy development of children!  It is my dream that every baby experiences secure attachment! 

One of the main reasons I developed the Love Your Baby Brain Packet is to provide ideas for parents and caregivers to easily support secure attachment. 

A PRIMARY RELATIONSHIP DURING INFANCY DIRECTLY INFLUENCES SECURE ATTACHMENT

The development of brain areas responsible for interaction, empathy, understanding, love, and responsiveness to others occurs as a result of secure attachment. A primary relationship during infancy directly influences these qualities.

In a blog post I read recently, attachment parenting was described as a trend. My sincere hope is this will not become a common opinion. Attachment is a scientifically proven human need which directly impacts brain connections.  We have come a long way in beginning to make the critical importance of a secure attachment better understood, but still have a long way to go before this is common practice for all children. Hopefully you will help in continuing to make this essential information well known. 

Throughout the week I will post additional information that can assist in creating greater awareness of the positive and long lasting impact that is made through attachment.

Bonding with Your Baby Parenting Advice for Developing a Secure Attachment Bond is an extremely useful article on this topic.

 

HIGHER FUNCTIONING BRAIN AREAS ARE ACTIVITED THROUGH PHYSICAL PLAY

Lots of physical and interactive play activates the higher functioning brain areas. The development of these brain areas enhances cognitive abilities and the ability to better manage emotions and stress. The lack of play may lead to ADHD symptoms. 

Read about an important promotion on play from Discovery Health and KaBOOM.  Why healthy famiies (big & small) need to play 

Easy and fun interactive play ideas that promote the development of these higher brain areas are provided in The Brain Development Series.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Benefits From Giving

Researchers found the reward centers of the brain are activated as a result of giving to others.

This article in the Chicago Tribune discusses the study.  

You can have the opportunity to have a brain packet donated to the program of your choice with the purchase of a set of brain packets.  Use the promo code in the November braininsights newsletter.

With sincere wishes for a very Happy Thanksgiving!

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Benefits When Feeling Gratitude.

“The very same neuro chemicals are emitted by the brain when we are in a state of gratitude as those produced when we are feeling and thinking happiness, love, being excited and positive. “   

~ Dr. Joe Dispenza, author of "Evolve Your Brain"

You can enjoy a wonderful blog post on gratitude from The Souful Parent  here: