Ever look at a baby and
wonder what she's thinking? Well there's a lot more going on in there than
previously thought. According to the newest brain research, babies' brains
begin crackling with activity before they're even born!
At birth, an infant's brain houses 100 billion nerve cells, or
neurons. Immediately, connections -- or synapses -- between the cells form as
the baby experiences her surroundings and makes attachments to caregivers. This
network of neurons and synapses controls various functions, such as seeing,
hearing, and moving. By the age of
three, a child's brain has about 1,000 trillion synapses -- twice as many as an
adult. But if a child's brain is not
stimulated from birth, these synapses don't develop, impairing her ability to
learn and grow.
[This, by the way, is the premise for my new book, Kidding Around Town. As a parent you are probably already doing these things recommended below and we commend you for that. We are encouraging you to take things one step further - take your kids out places and expose them to new things so their brain can grow more connections. It's best to start when your children are babies, but any age is good.]
What does this mean for parents?
"Basically, the latest research confirms the importance of
what many parents do instinctively, such as reading, cuddling, and talking to
their children," says Angie Dorell, director of curriculum at La Petite
Academy, the nation's second-largest preschool. She says these five parenting
practices will help ensure a child's healthy brain development.
1. Be warm, loving, and responsive: Studies show that children
who receive responsive care-giving, such as touching, rocking, talking, and
smiling, cope with difficult times more easily when they are older. They are
more curious, get along better with other children, and perform better in
school than kids who are less securely attached.
2. Talk, read, and sing to your child: Communicating with your
child gives him a solid basis for learning later. Talk and sing about daily
events. Read stories in a way that encourages older babies and toddlers to
participate by answering questions, pointing to what they see in a picture
book, or by repeating rhymes and refrains.
3. Encourage safe exploration and play: While many of us think
of learning as simply acquiring facts, children learn through playing. Blocks,
art, and pretending all help children develop curiosity, confidence, language,
and problem-solving skills. Let your child choose many of her own activities.
If she turns away or seems uninterested, put it aside. Let her pick it up again
later when she's interested.
4. Use discipline as an opportunity to teach: It is normal for
children to test rules and to act impulsively at times. Parents need to set
limits that help teach children, rather than punish them. For example, tell
your child what behavior is acceptable and communicate positively: say, "Feet
belong on the floor, please," instead of "Get off the chair!"
5. Choose quality childcare and stay involved: Research shows
that high-quality childcare and early education can boost children's learning
and social skills when they enter school.
For free tips on how to choose
quality care, call Child Care Aware at 800-424-2246. After choosing your
provider, stay involved. Drop in unannounced, and insist on progress reports.
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"Kidding Around Town" is the ultimate outing guide for you and your kids to explore the DFW Metroplex.
With a comprehensive listing of destinations, Catherine Cates provides detailed outlines on how to create educational and fun experiences for kids of every age AND their parents! Also included are featured destinations in each category that go into specifics related to that particular destination.
"Kidding Around Town" will help you create wonderfully well-rounded memories for your kids, and develop a springboard for noticing the lifetime learning that surrounds them if they have been taught to look for it!
Have Ms.Cates come speak to your group about brain development and the importance of outings. Contact her at:info@aroundtownkids.com
