Page 3 - The First 60 Days Magazine - June 2024
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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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