Overlooking Early Brain Stimulation a Mistake Common by Most Parents

One of the biggest mistakes that parents can make is overlooking early brain stimulation for their children. Early brain stimulation is the process of providing positive and enriching experiences for children from birth to three years old. These experiences include talking, singing, reading, playing, and exploring with the children. Early brain stimulation also involves responsive and nurturing interactions between the parents and the children. These interactions are sometimes called “serve and return”, as they resemble a game of tennis. The child “serves” by expressing interest or curiosity, and the parent “returns” by acknowledging and expanding on the child’s cues.

Why is early brain stimulation important?

Early brain stimulation is important because it supports the rapid and remarkable growth of the brain during the first three years of life. The brain is the most flexible and adaptable organ in the body, and it is shaped by both genes and environment. The experiences and interactions that children have in their early years influence the formation and strengthening of the neural connections in the brain. These connections are the basis for learning, memory, and behavior.

Early brain stimulation can have a lasting impact on children’s cognitive development. Research shows that children who receive adequate early brain stimulation have higher IQs, better language skills, and improved academic performance than children who do not. They also have lower risks of developing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, and aggression. It can also protect children from the negative effects of stress, poverty, and trauma.

How can parents provide early brain stimulation for their children?

Parents can provide early brain stimulation for their children by engaging in simple, everyday activities and interactions with them. Here are some examples of how parents can stimulate their children’s brains:

• Talk to your child. Use a variety of words, sentences, and questions. Explain what you are doing and why. Narrate your child’s actions and feelings. Repeat and expand on what your child says. Encourage your child to respond and communicate with you.
• Sing to your child. Sing songs, rhymes, and lullabies. Use different tones, pitches, and expressions. Make eye contact and smile. Clap, tap, or dance along with the rhythm. Invite your child to join you and make sounds or gestures.
• Read to your child. Read books, magazines, and labels. Point to the pictures and words. Ask questions and make comments. Relate the story to your child’s life. Let your child choose the books and turn the pages. Follow your child’s pace and interest.
• Play with your child. Play games, puzzles, and toys. Use objects, colors, shapes, and numbers. Make up stories and scenarios. Pretend and role-play. Challenge your child’s thinking and problem-solving skills. Praise your child’s efforts and achievements.
• Explore with your child. Explore the environment, indoors and outdoors. Use the senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Discover new things and learn new facts. Ask questions and seek answers. Stimulate your child’s curiosity and creativity.

Conclusion

Early brain stimulation is not something that parents should overlook or take lightly. It is a vital process that can shape their children’s brain development and future potential. By providing early brain stimulation for their children, parents can help them thrive and succeed in life.