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Research has shown that a person’s life successes, health and emotional wellbeing have roots in early childhood.
During the first few years the brain does a great deal of growing and creates important pathways for future development.
Those connections influence a child's emotional, social and intellectual make-up. Key features of early brain development include:
Ante-natal
- All five senses begin to function before birth.
- Prenatal sensory experiences actually help shape the brain and nervous system.
- Prenatal experiences prime the attachment behaviours of the infant.
0–3 years
- A rapid period of brain development which can be fostered by relationships with caregivers, and supported by optimal community environments for families and children.
- Brain development is vulnerable to toxic stress (depending on length and number of stressors for the child).
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By school age
Children build on the solid foundation of the first five years. It is more difficult for children to take advantage of the learning environment of schools if:
- they have not had an optimal home environment
- there is restricted access to quality early childhood services
- they have experienced a poor quality community environment
Researchers have found that the relationship between a parent and child in the early years affects the child's brain development in many ways.
The Australian Childhood Foundation says that during the early years, parents should spend time:
- Holding and cuddling
- Talking and smiling
- Recognising and responding to your child's signals
- Providing your child with new experiences and opportunities
- Make sure that your children feel safe and secure
Early positive relationships with parents promote curiosity, self esteem and confidence in developing children, and will assist children to better cope with life's challenges.
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