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.

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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!

BRAIN FACT: Learning A New Skill Provides Greater Benefits For the Brain

Continuing to do an activity, sport, or hobby that is well learned is good for your brain. However, learning a new technique or something completely new and different provides even greater benefits.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Eliminates Rarely Used Brain Connections

In and effort to work more efficiently, the brain eliminates rarely used brain connections and strengthens connections that are used frequently. Between early childhood and adolescence it can loose billions of connections a day.

BRAIN FACT: The Brain Is Never As Malleable As It Is In The Early Years

Even though the brain is continuously changing and making new connections throughout life, it is never as malleable as it is in the early years.