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About Siletz news / (Siletz, OR) 199?-current | View Entire Issue (April 1, 1998)
S ile t z N e w s Programs Pages Nourishing young brains: what you can do Current scientific research shows that most of the development of the human brain takes place during the first three years of life. Scientists used to think that the brain was "pre-wired", like a computer, but now know that the brain needs outside expériences to shape itself. To ensure. healthy’ development, children need intel lectual, emotional, and physical stimulation appropriate to their developmental levels. The National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse makes the following recommendations: Intellectual Development The developing brçm .produces - many times more neurons^ m ip.. cells) a n d more synapses .(connec tions among brain cells)’1" than ft will eventually need. With normal development, the number of synapses increases dramatically during the first four years then holds steady throughout the first ten years of life. Brain develop ment is. like pruning—synapses formed and reinforced by early experiences tend to become permanent while those not used tend to be eliminated. Experiences including human interaction, ' interesting toys, and changes of scenery all fascinate babies and * toddlers and build and maintain synapses. WHAT YOU GAN DO: * * Create a stimulating environ ment. Surround, your child with bright colors," various textures, and interesting sounds and smells. Talk to your child. Babies are learning about language from very early on, and older children are eager to learn and understand. Talk to them often and in complete sentences. Tell them about their environment - situations, people, places. Don't underestimate their ability to take in information. * Challenge your child to think. Most importantly, read to your children or show them picture books. Teach them to count, match Colors, recite -the alphabet, learn nursery rhymes, and work, puzzles.. This kind of positive attention also helps build a warm relationship with your child. Physical Development Scientists involved in animal studies have found that when baby rats were fed and cared for but not provided any physical „stimulation from a caretaker) the. rats produced stress hormones /which caused growth to cease. The scientists concluded that the brains of the baby rats were telling their bodies not to grow because , they would not be cared for! Human babies, too, need lots of holding and touching to develop normally. \ WHAT YOU CAN DO: Cuddle, hug,? kiss, and hold your children: Children need a lot of affection many times a /day! $ $ ; ' * ’ * M ake sure your child has opportunities to run, stretch, skip; and jump. Feed your child healthy foods: fruits, vegetables, milk, cheese, fish, chicken, whole-grain breads and cereals. Emotional Development Warm and responsive care is not only comforting to children, it also directly affects their brain development. Strong attachments to nurturing adults provide a protective effect on children, helping them develop the ability to regulate their own emotional states and to better withstand life's stresses. Brain research also shows that children who are habitually exposed to severe stress produce stress hormones which can cause delays in intellectual, physical, and social development. * WHAT YOU CAN DO: * Notice your ; baby's cues. Respond to your child's efforts to communicate and be sensitive to her moods. * Show how much you care. Provide an abundance of love, Concern, and care for your child. Do your best to shelter your child. Shield children from stressful or violent environ ments. aa Take good care of yourself. Monitor your own stress and mental health. Find help if you feel overwhelmed. Your state' of mind will affect your child's development. Please join us to... Make Parenting a Pleasure! Enjoy thecompânÿ'and support of other " Parents/caretakers of children From birth to age three as we discuss stress management, communication, basic child development, and positive discipline techniques using a nationally-recognized parenting curriculum, aa . ' Make Parenting a Pleasure Tuesday evenings 5:30-8:00 pm Starting April 28, 1998 Siletz Head Start Center' Childcare & Light Dinner Provided Call Sandra Hahn, RN at 444-1030 I (800) 648-0449 or Cathy Rasmussen, RN at (541) 746-9658 for more information.
