The following information and links are from a fantastic New Zealand developed site for parents called: allright.org.nz
Below is the background of findings about brain development and wellbeing in children from a UNICEF study.
Brain development and tamariki wellbeing
There’s heaps of evidence that a loving, caring and stimulating environment grows great brains, and great people. In 2014 UNICEF brought together 16 neuroscientists to discuss the influence of early experience on brain development and function. It wasn’t just a talkfest – these discussions led to three key findings:
- The relationship between genes and environment is closer than we ever imagined. Genes predict our brain development but it is experience that sculpts it. The more experiences and opportunities our brain gets to grow, the better. In other words – the environment kids grow up in really matters
- The brain is complex – it develops overtime and is connected to every part our bodies. Different regions of the brain have distinct roles, and they don’t all develop at once. Our experiences shape how our brains develop.
- Early experiences matter. While brain development can continue through life, it occurs most quickly before birth and through early childhood. In the first years of life neurons in our brains form new connections at the astounding rate of 700-1000 per second – a pace that is not repeated again.
Last week we shared from the allright.org.nz site two ways parents/caregivers can help healthy brain development and support wellbeing. One was: hug (a lot) and the other was eating together as a family.
Two further ways you can help
Talk (and listen)
Talking and listening to children does lots of important things. It improves your bond with them, and encourages them to listen to you. It helps them to form relationships and to build self-esteem.
- Set aside time for talking and listening to each other.
- Listen to your children when they want to talk, have strong feelings or have a problem.
- Be open to talking about all kinds of feelings, including anger, joy, frustration, fear and anxiety. Talking about feeling angry is different from getting angry, though. Learning the difference is an important step for a child learning to communicate.
- Watch your child’s facial expression and body language. Listening isn’t just about hearing words, but also trying to understand what’s behind those words.
- To let your child know you’re listening, and make sure you’ve really understood, repeat back what your child has said and make lots of eye contact.
- Show your interest by saying such things as, ‘Tell me more about ...’, ‘Really!’ and ‘Go on ...’. Ask children what they feel about the things they’re telling you about.
Play together
Playing isn’t just something for kids – it’s good for all of us. And playing with people you love is even better! Whether it’s dusting off your old Connect Four set, playing a bit of Backyard Cricket, or Tū Kōhatu (knuckle bones), playing together as a whanau helps build healthy, strong relationships.
If you’re looking for inspiration check out our Tiny Adventures App. It’s full of simple, fun activities families can do together that take between one minute to an hour. Activities range from “bouncy balloony fun” to “jokey journeys” as well as lots of arts and crafts activities. Everything is fun – and designed to develop attachment and brain development.
Download Tiny Adventures free from:
All Right? have also created a set of twenty activity cards to help people connect with their whānau and culture.
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