THE BRAIN NEEDS THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF STIMUALTION

The brain likes the right amount of stimulation.The brain doesn't like to be bored and it also doesn't like to be over stimulated.  

Keeping children's brains in mind while holiday shopping makes the time together enjoyable. Each post this week will focus on how to make shopping a fun family time. 

The brain loves having fun, likes using all of the senses, and physical activity. There also is a psychological need that makes a child seek attention. When a child is given positive attention and fun interaction, it is less likely that negative behaviors will result.

When a child is hungry, tired and not getting stimulated in a way that is fun and interesting it is more likely you will have to deal acting out behaviors. Your child isn't trying to be "bad", his or her brain is just reacting to what it needs. Young children's brains are not developed to the point of being able to control all of this yet.

Children need the adults in their life to understand and offer support. Involving your child and interacting in fun ways while shopping will help keep your child's brain stimulated.

Sample activities from the Brain Development Activity Packets:

• Involve your child in choosing gifts so they can experience the benefits to the brain as a result of giving or donating to others.
• Name a color. Have your child look for and point out items with that color as you shop..
• Have your child look for the first letter in their name printed on items or signs as you shop.  
• Give your child a suggestion for a way to move differently in each aisle. For example you could say: "In this aisle walk on your tip toes." or "This time take 3 steps then hop."
• Encourage your child to describe how various items feel.
• Bring a coupon or photo from a flyer for items you plan to purchase. Make a searching game. Have your child look for the pictured item as you go through the aisles.

THE ABILITY TO SELF REGULATE IS DEVELOPED THROUGH IMAGINATIVE PLAY

Imaginative play leads to the development of the higher thinking areas of the brain. Research shows the critical ability to self regulate is enhanced through this type of play.

This week-end I finally had the opportunity to see the movie Toy Story 3. While there were many messages communicated through this story, it was wonderful to see this great example of play! This movie clearly shows how toys like these sparks imagination. 


Children need many opportunities for this type of play for healthy development.

This article from NPR clearly explains the importance of play for optimal development and self regulation. 



Keep the brain in mind with these tips as you shop for gifts this holiday!

      .... television, DVD's, and flashcards are not the best ways to
           promote brain development.
     .... you are your child's favorite toy!

     .... toys that are best for children's brains

•  Provide an opportunity for direct interaction and manipulation
• Give a child a chance to develop something with their hands
•  Offer a variety of ways of using the toy or object
• Spark imagination and creativity
• Allow the child to repeat a process
• Promotes physical activity

         Examples are: Puzzles, building blocks, building sets,

         crayons, balls, paints, play dough, dolls, trucks and

         cars, shape sorters,  sand toys, bean bags, nesting

         cups, pretend play sets, water toys, and books!

     .... Opportunities to just play, create, move, explore, and manipulate

          objects, provides the best opportunities for real learning.

"The Toy Man® Recommends..." 2010 Holiday Season Product List provides ideas from experts in the field. Hope you find this very helpful for unique and recommended gifts. I am honored to have The Brain Development Series included.  Enjoy!

   

STRESS HORMONES WASH OVER THE BRAIN WHEN A BABY IS LEFT ALONE TO CRY

The levels of stress hormones washing over the brain are increased when a baby is left alone to cry for long periods of time. A baby's brain is too immature to regulate emotions on it's own. 

Too often it is thought that a baby will be "spoiled" through repeatedly meeting expressed needs. This is actually the opposite of what results. 
Consistently soothing and comforting an infant leads to a calmer and emotionally healthy child. 

Below is an excerpt from the writings of Heidi Holmen. I encourage you to go to this valuable website by Deborah Hage, MSW, and read the very impressive story Heidi shares. I often share this story when I do brain presentations to clearly demonstrate how quickly the developing brain adapts to experiences early in life.

 Having a primary emotional bond with an attuned caregiver who predictably meets a baby's emotional needs is foundational for healthy psychic development and the ability to form healthy relationships with others. The ability to process and regulate one's own emotional state effectively, to delay gratification, to problem solve, to have empathy for others, are all critical for a healthy and secure sense of self.  These are skills that are developed through the formation of healthy attachment. 
 In early developmental stages, an agitated or hyperaroused baby must be soothed by her primary caregiver in order to feel calm, safe and secure. The baby actually experiences her own emotional state as an extension of her caregiver.  If her emotional needs are consistently met, over time the baby is able to take on some of this emotional regulation herself.  Throughout early childhood, skills of self awareness and self regulation are reinforced.  From there the child is able to begin to process the emotions of others, to develop a sense of empathy and to form healthy relationships beyond the primary one.  These are lessons with clear and lifelong repercussions.
 On the other hand, lack of healthy attachment can have devastating emotional repercussions.  During the heightened state of arousal that occurs when a baby’s cries are not answered, she grows increasingly frustrated, distressed, angry, or hopeless.  When her needs are not met, or met unpredictably, the baby does not develop trust.  She might shut down emotionally and remain stuck at this stage of emotional development. Stunted emotional development can also negatively affect cognitive development.

DEVELOPING BRAINS NEED ATTUNED PARENTS AS MUCH AS THEY NEED NUTRITION

Developing brains need loving interaction, attuned parents, and touch as much they need nutrition. Early interactions set up the basis for expectations, self perception, self regulation, and relationships throughout life.

This video clip on Harry Harlow’s famous study demonstrates the critical need for security.


The amazing research explained in the following article, clearly shows the powerful influence that results from positive early care giving experiences: Good Parenting Triumphs Over Prenatal Stress.It is reassuring for expecting parents to know they can have this positive influence through a responsive and loving early relationship for their baby.

We can no longer let this information be ignored. This research ignites my desires to share all of this even more deeply (if that is possible!). My dream is to have the parent of every newborn learn how to easily provide the consistent care taking and loving interaction their baby NEEDS!  

So below are a few interaction tips from the Love Your Baby packet with brain development information from the baby’s perspective for you to share with every parent you know.


LOVING ME CALMS ME
Realize that loving me does NOT spoil me. Show the love you feel for me through all of the interactions we have together.

Brain Insight
Taking care of my needs does not “spoil” me. Comforting me when I need you helps me learn to trust that you will take care of my needs. I will be calmer as my brain learns I can expect you to take care of me.

SHOWING YOU THE ATTENTION I NEED
Notice how important your attention is to me. Tune into how I let you know when I need comforting or just a fun connection with you.

Brain Insight
Attention and contact with you is what matters most in this stage of brain development. The first 18 months are the most important for the foundation of my emotional development.

WHAT DO I LIKE?
Notice what I like and respond to. Try to tune in to the level of activity I seem to need. If I seem active, do a more playful activity. When I want to be calm, read a story, hold me close, or sing a lullaby to me. 

Brain Insight
My brain is not developed enough to adjust to different activity levels easily on my own. I really need you to match your behavior to my needs.

This is what every baby needs and wants every adult in their life to understand!

For more loving interaction ideas from the Love Your Baby brain packet in English or Spanish!

You will really enjoy being a part of the Worldwide Brain Team! You can get FREE monthly printables, parenting tips, learn about your own brain and get insights to share! It is so easy! Including a FREE Loving Your Baby print as a membership gift!!

STRESS AND TRAUMA IMPAIR BRAIN DEVELOPMENT WHILE HEALTHY ATTACHMENT PROMOTES IT

Scientific evidence proves that stress and trauma impair optimal brain development while healthy attachment promotes it. A primary caregiver must be tuned into the baby's needs to create healthy attachment. An attuned relationship must be achieved. 

This article shares information on a study that demonstrates the long term outcomes that are affected by relationships in the first year.   

Let's do all we can to continue to promote the critical importance of attachment and early brain development.  


Love Your Baby provides easy ideas on how parents can establish this attachment.  

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.