There seem to be two common and somewhat related issues taking place when it comes to the development and learning of young children.
1. People are looking for a short cut or the "magic" program or device that will develop a child's brain.
2. There is a major focus on pushing young children to learn more academics at earlier ages.
Of course this is all well intentioned. Everyone's goal is for children to be successful in school and in life. But, if this is the focus and desire for children, it is essential that all the knowledge science is providing for us is used for the bases of the experiences children are having everyday.
I find it amazing that due to technological advances, we now understand the developing brain better than ever before, and in many cases just the opposite of what is needed most is occurring for too many children.
![Early Brain Development for infants and preschool age children Tv and DVD are not best for early brain development](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QQtxkOEJ99hgiO88f2a8srDQwWd3sab45XnX2oDGl-YaCIBhCOz9kmjwrRs2tVNjlc9AYBZkCtOuXfthHV0unTC7nEjcDairaYMuUhOQzpc6d-X2OOfGmTN_DxY3OZieVEzxzz4w_kA/s320/tv_kid.jpg)
This quote from the article from Peggy Sissel-Phelan, Ed. D. (a Brain Insights Advisory Board Member) is terrific:
“It’s likely to convince parents that they are doing something positive for their babies when that couldn't be farther from the truth. People don’t know that without human attention, babies won't develop normally, much less optimally. They will, however, learn how to push the buttons to make the screen react. Rats can do that!”
Additionally, it is wonderful that money is being refunded for purchases of, Baby Einstein videos. All of these products have been marketed to say they are good for early brain development, when these are not the optimal way for a child's brain to develop.
![Early brain development requires real interactions with real people Brain Insights provides Early childhood Brain development activity ideas](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jW5ZqwP9lLA/TGhWOg-HoZI/AAAAAAAAAic/31f8p0aqUL4/s320/iStock_000002743063Small.jpg)
![Early Brain Development for young children needs understanding Early Childhood Brain Insights provides information and ideas](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4qaOcYfGlCU/TEWjdOVetCI/AAAAAAAAAf0/rbMNI-99nGU/s320/iStock_000007188489Large.jpg)
We need to do all we can to ensure that every child is getting all that is really beneficial for their growing brains. This happens through real interactions with real people and real objects.
At the same conference I met Kathy Gruhn, the enthusiastic creator of My Baby Compass. These wonderful resources help adults know what is appropriate for children at each age, birth through age 7.
We do not expect a newborn to crawl, a 2 month old to ride a bike, or a 6 month old to play the guitar. We do not expect those things because we know babies are not developed enough at those ages for those skills or activities. It is the same for academics and a young brain. We should not be pushing babies to read and 3 year olds to write. These are not the experiences they should be having to support the healthiest brain connections for later learning and life skills. Children need every adult in their life to have appropriate expectations. This can happen through understanding the basics of early brain development.
With heartfelt thanks,
Deborah
And most especially.... the children thank you!!
The Brain Development Series provides parents with the information and fun ideas children want ALL adults to know!
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