Why is the period before the age of three considered the golden period for brain development? Experts provide a detailed explanation.
First, a child’s brain is developing rapidly. When a baby is born, their brain weight is only 25% that of an adult’s. By the time they turn three, their brain weight will be nearly 85% of an adult’s.
Second, newborns have very few neural connections, but by the age of two, these connections become much more abundant. Stimulating these neural connections can lead to enhanced intelligence in the future.
Therefore, for children under three years old, experts recommend three things to avoid:
3 mistakes parents should avoid when caring for their children
Do not shake the baby vigorously
This is the well-known Shaken Baby Syndrome, which can cause serious brain and neck injuries due to the immature brain and fragile bones of newborns.
Parents should understand that in the early stages of life, a child’s brain develops rapidly and is highly sensitive. Vigorous shaking can cause immediate trauma and lead to psychological and motor development issues later on. Children may struggle with developing motor skills and may even experience difficulties with learning and communication as they grow up.
To best protect infants, parents should hold them gently and carefully. Use safe cuddling methods, such as holding the baby close, gently soothing, or speaking to them in a soft tone.
Do not ignore their emotional needs
The famous Rhesus monkey experiment demonstrated that young monkeys, and by extension, human infants, require not just nutrition but also the comfort of their mothers.
In this experiment, researchers divided baby monkeys into two groups: one group was fed by monkey mothers, while the other group was fed by a soft surrogate monkey with no milk. The results showed that even though the second group of monkeys had access to food, the lack of maternal warmth and comfort led to increased anxiety and poorer development compared to the first group.
Do not ignore their emotional needs.
This highlights the importance of a mother’s presence and care in the emotional and psychological development of children. In the early years, children need not just physical nourishment but also love, security, and a sense of belonging. A mother’s hugs and soothing words create a stable environment, promoting better emotional and physical development.
Therefore, parents should not ignore their child’s cries or signs of discomfort. Younger children especially need their mother’s presence as they have a symbiotic relationship. The mother is not just a source of nutrition but also a pillar of emotional support. When a mother comes close, holds, and communicates with her child, the child feels safer and finds it easier to regulate their emotions.
Do not confine your child to the house
Many parents worry about their children getting hurt outdoors, so they keep them inside. However, this can lead to increased screen time and limited social interaction.
Children need space to explore, play, and develop social skills. Being confined indoors can lead to a lack of enriching experiences and an increased risk of psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.
7 things parents should do to support their child’s brain development
Talk to your child every day
Parents should communicate with their children from the day they are born. For example, when feeding your child, you can say, “I’m feeding you now. Are you hungry?” in a gentle and slow tone.
Your child may not understand the words, but they will sense the power in your voice. Additionally, talking to your child from an early age will help stimulate their language development.
Breastfeed your child
Breastfeeding provides nutrition, fosters a bond between mother and child, and creates a sense of security.
When a child feels safe, their brain is better stimulated, leading to enhanced brain development.
Talk to your child every day.
Supplement their diet scientifically
As children grow, breast milk or formula may not meet their nutritional needs, especially after the age of seven months when their daily iron requirement increases significantly.
It is important to introduce complementary foods in a scientific manner. During weaning, offer foods with relatively high iron content. Iron deficiency can lead to reduced responsiveness and lower IQ scores.
Allow thumb-sucking
Many parents believe that thumb-sucking is unhygienic, but it actually stimulates the child’s brain.
When a child sucks their thumb, they are engaging in a sensory experience that involves touch, taste, and pressure. This multi-sensory stimulation helps form the child’s concept of their mouth and fingers, which is an effective way to stimulate brain development.
Do not argue or fight in front of your child
Some parents believe that young children are too small to understand adult conflicts. However, research shows that even infants are sensitive to emotions and can sense tension and discord.
Witnessing arguments between parents can make children feel unsafe, anxious, and confused. They absorb the negative emotions of anger, disappointment, or sadness. Instead of arguing in front of your child, try to resolve conflicts discreetly and skillfully. If sensitive topics need to be discussed, choose a private time and space where your child will not be affected.
Parent involvement is key to a child’s cognitive development.
Spend quality time with your child
Parents should actively play and engage with their children. These activities contribute to physical development and provide opportunities for emotional exploration, social skill formation, and creativity enhancement.
Playing with your child also boosts their IQ. Research shows that interactive activities such as puzzles, cognitive games, and creative pursuits improve logical thinking, concentration, and memory.
Allow your child to make choices
Around the age of two, children often go through a phase of rebellion, marked by the frequent use of the word “no.” This is a sign of their emerging self-awareness.
Guiding your child to make their own choices from an early age will foster confidence and independence as they grow up.
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