Page 3 - The First 60 Days Magazine - June 2024

UNDERSTANDING MAKES A

DIFFERENCE!

I
t is sometimes quite surprising and eye opening for many
adults to learn that the brain doesn’t complete development
until the age of 25 – 30 years old. It can be somewhat
overwhelming to realize this. However, it is incredibly valuable to
have the understanding that the most rapid and influential time
of brain growth and development occurs in the earliest days,
weeks, months and years of life.
The wonderful news is, research provides invaluable information
on what babies need most. When shared, the wealth of scientific
understanding relieves the minds of caring adults. Neuroscience
offers the reassuring knowledge of what developing brains need
most for learning, health and well-being in life.
And the best news is, to support healthy brain development
during everyday life, it isn’t as complicated as it may seem. There
are 4 basic areas that need to be provided...meeting physical
needs, nurturing interactions, security and play.
A Simple and Basic Understanding
Brain development happens in a sequential fashion from the
least complex functioning area to the most complex. There are
three crucial points to make about this fact.
·Even though the most complex area of the brain is the last
to complete development, experiences in the earliest
months have a very significant impact.
·Children need appropriate experiences in the early months
to wire the brain in preparation for more complex learning.
Ignoring the incredible impact of nurturing relationships can
have a detrimental influence on physical and mental health
development.
To develop the higher functioning areas of the brain, secure
responsive and predictable nurturing relationships are crucial.
All human beings are biologically dependent on relationships.
When the brain of a baby feels a sense of security, trust and calm
from consistent caregivers, this leads to a greater likelihood for
well-being in life.
Research reveals that throughout the first two months after
birth, the feeling of security is essential to optimal development.
Consistent nurturing responses to the needs of a baby
contributes to a brain creating strong pathways for learning, self-
regulation, resiliency, positive self-worth and health.
Let’s ensure this understanding becomes common knowledge!

By Deborah McNelis, M.Ed

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