| Brain development in a Preschooler |
Brain development commences in children as early as when they are
babies. As per researches, early childhood care and experiences are
believed to serve as an important prerequisite to a developing brain. It
is also wise to reflect on the say, ’we are born with few traits and we
acquire some’ in the process to become more informed and learned. A
similar process works for our brains and intellect. Human brain is
composed of a complex network of neurons that collect information and
process it further to yield outputs. The more early these neural
pathways are stimulated, the better it facilitates learning as one grows
older.
|
Build these thoughts in a more detailed manner and you would be able to
visualize how your little one’s cognitive power escalates to newer
strengths.
|
Take a memory recall by following a series of moments, wherein you
dwelled in delight when you discovered:-
Your baby expressing pleasure by smiling on having you around, amidst
the other unfamiliar faces.
Your toddler being able to find a hidden object from the corner.
Your one year old snuggling up in your comfort on enjoying a story
telling session or comprehending your one step command.
|
All these moments are indicative of your baby’s emerging cognitive
skills.
|
| Nurturing Your Child’s Brain Development |
An endearing arm to love and encouragement:- Your affection and warmth
aids in every aspect of your child’s developmental process. A study
supported stating that those children who received good care during
their very early years of life as babies possessed a better brain
activity as compared to those who were devoided of attention and love.
Also, a sense of security that builds in gradually helps him cope with
stress and develop their emotional framework in a far better way.
|
Can learning through senses serve as a roadmap? Certainly, yes! This is
because the base that sets up for the development of brain in the early
years of life is through the five senses touching, tasting, smelling,
seeing and hearing. A parent needs to look out for ways and everyday
instances where he can provide his child with an opportunity to explore
through them. For e.g. describing the taste of the fruit yoghurt
savoured. (‘’strawberries are a bit sour, but the yoghurt is creamy’’).
Have the kids’ room display a creative blend of bright and soothing
colours. It will collectively work towards activating his brain Cells.
|
Incorporate small trails of events in the conversations with your child.
This helps their brain to interlink the little sequences and retain it
in their memory for a long period of time. Let your child’s brain power
take an initiative when it comes to which games or toys he wants to play
with or decide for his evening wear for the party ahead. Children learn
better through repetition. This does explains their curiosity to ask
for things or do them repeatedly, which they might be interested in. For
e.g. asking you to narrate the same story over and over again or
playing with a same game again. Reading to your child also works as an
effective way to aid early brain development. It may become a part of
his winding up regime before sleep or naptime. You can also steal some
time out of the boring bus journey and rather encash some fun and
learning by reading out the boards of shops or may be a simple one-liner
of a billboard.
|
Speak slowly and clearly while you describe things to your child. This
not only aids language development in a child but also helps his brain
Cells strengthen the existing connections and enlighten new ones. Apart
from this, music also serves as a great medium for the child to equip
his brain with newer things. For e.g. new words, phrases, understand
rhythms as well as rhymes.
|
An overall good nutrition during preschool years is essential in
providing the brain with the much needed nourishment. So make sure your
child reaches for a nutritious meal loaded with all the nutrients needed
to support an overall growth. Try to figure out his area of interests.
Be responsive to his thoughts and inputs. Discuss with the caregivers at
the kinder garden for activities that may put forth amazing challenges
to aid your child’s brain functioning.
|
What All Can Influence Your Child’s Brain Development?
|
A child who is attended by an inconsiderate caregiver, rebuked or
ridiculed often for his mistakes tends to develop a negative string of
emotions that hinders his learning process. Lack of toys and age
appropriate learning materials, unsafe environment, unhealthy meals as
in consuming more of junk foods; overexposure to television can also
work as deterrents.
|
Experiences in early life where in they were exposed to any kind of
abuse also impel their brain Cells to function in a negative way. These
children often tend to be unsympathetic and may show aggressive
behaviour. Emotional unavailability does breeds on psychiatric illnesses
e.g. depression. A child under the care of such a caregiver may be more
vulnerable to displaying poor cognitive skills. He may not possess
positive influences that support a healthy brain development, beginning
from the formative years of his life.
|