Relationships

Brain Development

• Brain cells (neurons) form in first months of fetal development
• Born with 100 billion brain cells
• Enough brain cells to learn just about anything – no more are developed after birth

Brain Connections

• 15,000 synaptic connections for each cell.
• Signals can be sent to other cells at speeds of more than 200 mph.
• Connections (synapses) grow and change as a result of stimulation from the environment.

Early Experiences are Crucial

• Most brain cell connections are made in 1st year.
• By age 3, 80% of synaptic connections are made.
• Connections decline after this time to age 10.

Early Experiences are Crucial

• During first 10 yrs, brain is twice as active as adults.
• Then growth levels off & pruning begins.

Use it or Lose it

• What is not used is pruned.
• What is used develops stronger connections.
• Develops in “spurts” when the brain is best equipped to learn certain skills.

Early Brain Development

• Behavioral and brain development are interrelated.
• Depends on interaction of many factors: genetics, experience, relationships, health, and nutrition (nature and nurture).
• 60% of nutrition is used by the brain during the first year --- decreases to 30% by age 3.

Early Brain Development

• Quality of relationships and experiences in first 3 years has deep and lasting impact on how the brain gets “wired”.
• Sets foundation for development in every aspect of life.
• Most developmental achievements occur naturally, development non-linear

“Windows” of Learning

• Periods when particular experiences are especially important or when some skills are more easily developed.
• Typically moderate to long periods.
• Some windows should not be missed… if so, opportunity to learn can be greatly diminished.

Brain Development: Windows of Opportunity

• By age 2 – emotional control
• By age 2 – social attachment
• By age 5 – motor development
• Birth to 10 years – language skills
• Birth to 4 years – visual development

Brain Development: Windows of Opportunity

• Birth to 4 years – math and logic skills
• 3 to 10 years – music

Brain Hemispheres

• Left side --- positive emotions, language, approaching new situations or ideas.
• Right side --- negative emotions, intense emotions, creativity.
• Right hemisphere has growth spurt in first 1½ years, and is dominant for first 3 years.

Brain Hemispheres

• Early attachment experiences may impact development of the right brain.
• Healthy right brain activity supports mental health throughout lifespan.

Plasticity

• Deficits that occur in the early years may be overcome with later enrichment, though the process will likely be more difficult.
• Among the most important windows are those involving emotional and social development.
• Brain has plasticity and can recover over time.

Two Basics the Developing Brain Needs

• Safety
• Positive Experiences

Malignant Combo of Experiences

• Lack of critical early nurturing
• Chaotic and cognitively impoverished environments
• Pervasive physical threat

Malignant Combo of Experiences

• Watching violence
• Early, frequent, and intense stress

A Safe Environment for Brain Development

• Reduce stress by making child’s world safe, secure and responsive.
• Remove any physical threats.
• Responsive to crying.

A Safe Environment for Brain Development

• Predictable daily routines.
• Adequate nutrition & hydration.

Positive Experiences to Build the Brain

• Loving care & touch
• Consistent, individual attention
• Everyday, simple activities
• Exposure to new experiences

Positive Experiences to Build Brains

• Talking
• Music
• Read and respond to child’s cues
• Know individual child and capabilities

Stimulation

• Overstimulation may result in frustration, stress, or withdrawal.
• Too many new experiences at once may be overwhelming and won’t help development.
• Child needs time to process what he/she has learned.

Learning

• Children with a secure bond to caregivers are more ready to learn.
• Repetition in a variety of ways – modeling, actions, verbally, etc.

7 Essentials for Early Development

• Encourage exploration.
• Mentor in basic skills.
• Celebrate developmental advances.
• Rehearse and extend new skills.

7 Essentials for Brain Development

• Protect from inappropriate disapproval, teasing, neglect, and punishment.
• Communicate richly and responsively.
• Guide and limit behavior; teach what is acceptable.

Supporting Emotional Regulation

• Infants and toddlers depend heavily on adults to help them experience, regulate, and express emotions
• Relationships teach young children what they can learn from others and who they are

Elements of Emotional Wellness

• Forming close and secure relationships
• Experiencing, expressing, and regulating emotions
• Exploring the environment and learning

Strategies for Helping Babies Self-Regulate

• Containing their limbs with swaddling, cuddling, and bringing them close to your chest and heartbeat
• Providing something to suck: a pacifier, their own hand, their fingers
• Limiting the stimulation in the environment

Attachment

• Attachment is a pattern of interaction that develops over time as the infant or toddler and caregiver engage.

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