Nature and Nurture

We’re sharing an article that explores how the brain develops in early life. The authors discuss what is known about growing baby brains and how the outside world shapes them. Find the article here: ()

The article begins with a brief scientific discussion of how new informational pathways form in the brain during the first three years of life. The creation of new synapses and the reinforcement of specific synapses are influenced by the growing infant’s activities and experiences.

“Brain connections that lead to later success grow out of nurturant, supportive and predictable care. This type of caregiving fosters child curiosity, creativity and self-confidence.”

From birth onwards, children are constantly learning from their environment and the adults around them. The article shares some of the questions that little ones seek to have answered by the adults in their lives, such as “Am I important to others?” and “Is it safe for me to show how I feel?” Early experiences shape a child’s understanding of the world and of self throughout life.

“Before children are able to talk, emotional expressions are the language of relationships. Research shows that infants' positive and negative emotions, and caregivers' sensitive responsiveness to them, can help early brain development.”

One particularly gratifying aspect of developmental movement education is helping children develop healthy relationships with their bodies. Creating consistent positive experiences centered around movement and music during early childhood is something we cherish in the Blooming Bébé community. We love watching individual personalities emerge as children discover confidence to express themselves. What have you learned about your child by watching them grow?

Reference

Gable, Sara; Hunting, Melissa. (March 2010). Nature, Nurture and Early Brain Development.