The development of the infant and toddler brain is dependant on our genetics, the mothers behaviors and decisions while pregnant and the child’s environment after birth (including nutrition). This course will provide concrete information on some of the things you can do to help children develop to their fullest potential.
I am confused. I read earlier that if not stimulated in infancy the brain will prune and eliminate connections it is not useing. So how is in that Jodi had the right side of her brain removed and was able to rebuild connections? Does that mean that she is using connections that would have been used for something else?
The brain is constantly making connections. Though we do not make as many or do it quite as rapidly, we continue to learn and make new connections throughout life. In some situations we are able to use other areas of the brain to make up or partially make up for lost portions.
Wow, both the Starting Smart article and the video were very interesting! I was particularly intrigued by the study of low-income children in the 5-year program. If this information were more widely known perhaps it wouldn't be such a battle to get funding & support for early childhood programs, knowing how much it would save us in education & rehabilitation costs later.
I am so amazed and so touched by this video thank you for sharing it. you learn the brain is capable and amazing but this is outstanding. So beautiful to see this young girl happy and whole and functioning. Our brains are phenomenal and us as human beings are two and it needs to be taught to children. Oh my word why were we never taught this? If children could know their brain capabilities how much more would they do, how much more would they believe in themselves?
Obviously, her brain has compensated for the loss, which is amazing. I wonder why such a powerful trauma for a child is less damaging than it is for an adult. I noticed that adult development slows down dramatically - it is probably because she was so young that her brain was able to adapt.
AMAZING!!!!! At first I was watching that video and was feeling so bad for the little girl. Then by the end of the video I was saying Right On :) Good for her. The brain is an amazing tool. I had NO idea that that could happen and somebody still be able to function like that. Simply amazing.
Truly amazing what the human brain can do. But it is so much easier for the brain to make new connections when we are young. Is that because it's more adaptable & has more connections verses when we are older and have already gone through the pruning process?
i think it is awesome that someone can have half a brain and still be able to do all that. but my question is how does half a brain compare to someone who drinks alcohol a lot.
The video Dealing with stress, explains how body and brain get in alert when is under stress because it increases heart rate and hormone levels. When a child is not care, the stress alert system keeps activated. As consequence, toxin stress produces reduction of neuron connexion and it avoids growth of new ones. So, we, as parents, should ensure our children environment and makes it stable and nurturing. Thanks, Catalina Rodriguez
I love that our bodies and our brains heal themselves. That even if a child has undergone abuse, they still have a chance to heal and learn not be violent themselves. Because the neurons in our brains are constantly changing. Strengthening the cells we use a lot and pruning the ones we don't use as much.
It is so important to respond the a child's stress in an appropriate way and time as the continuation of the high stress level can damage the child's stress response system. Prolonged stress response can reduce and cause weaker brain connections. It is so sad how domestic abuse can cause the child's brain (even if they are an infant during the abuse) can change the child's brain and can cause mental health problems. A good natured child can witness abuse and change into either a depressed individual or a bully as they do not know how to express themselves and how the abuse affected them. Negative childhood experiences affects coping methods that can last into adulthood.
I have heard the saying..."A baby needs to cry, it strengthens their lungs." Is there a length of time to allow a baby to cry or is it better to try to console the child to prevent less stress for the child?
That would be a good question for the child's pediatrician. Not all children are the same but there are some general guidelines. Because there are medical implications, I'd prefer the child's doctor to answer.
Dealing with stress is so important, we know that as adults, but children obviously are not able do to that yet and we need to be there and make sure that they are supported and have us as a buffer. Toxic stress can harm a childs brain so much and we need to make sure that they are in a stable environment.
I'm a little confussed. I was informed about the self-soothing method and now with this information about toxic stress has me questioning this method. Does this mean that the self-soothing method is incorrect? That it infacts causes problems for the child?
It depends on the age of the child. Infants need to know that their needs will be met and need to develop attachment with those who meet their needs. As a child grows older it is important for them to learn to sooth themselves.
It makes me sad to think that maybe some of the emotional distress that my older kids have is because of what they were raised around. A father who is constantly in a bad mood and blames others for his bad behavior. I think I am going to learn a new way to approach this issue. I feel so bad for my kids.
When a child is around an abusive or stressfull situations they still have a chance to heal and learn not be violent themselves. When children are exposed to violence, they will act out more often and its a lifetime struggle. The biggest thing we can do is connecting with healthy adults and positive relationships.
I believe this information should be more widely know. And with the pace of life these days it is becoming harder and harder to maintain a low stress level, That is the way I feel anyway. I hope I don't stress my kids out to much. Maybe I should have a look at that - James Hudlin
Until the day you die, your brain has the ability to add new neurons. You have the ability to heal.
I love how the top video ends on an up note. It's not all doom and gloom, even tough children who are exposed to violence are wounded, they can be helped.
35 comments:
Wow, it makes you wonder just what our brains are capable of.
I am confused. I read earlier that if not stimulated in infancy the brain will prune and eliminate connections it is not useing. So how is in that Jodi had the right side of her brain removed and was able to rebuild connections? Does that mean that she is using connections that would have been used for something else?
The brain is constantly making connections. Though we do not make as many or do it quite as rapidly, we continue to learn and make new connections throughout life. In some situations we are able to use other areas of the brain to make up or partially make up for lost portions.
Wow, both the Starting Smart article and the video were very interesting! I was particularly intrigued by the study of low-income children in the 5-year program. If this information were more widely known perhaps it wouldn't be such a battle to get funding & support for early childhood programs, knowing how much it would save us in education & rehabilitation costs later.
I knew a child who was born with some of her brain missing. The other parts of the brain took over and did the work of the missing part.
I am so amazed and so touched by this video thank you for sharing it. you learn the brain is capable and amazing but this is outstanding. So beautiful to see this young girl happy and whole and functioning. Our brains are phenomenal and us as human beings are two and it needs to be taught to children. Oh my word why were we never taught this? If children could know their brain capabilities how much more would they do, how much more would they believe in themselves?
Obviously, her brain has compensated for the loss, which is amazing. I wonder why such a powerful trauma for a child is less damaging than it is for an adult. I noticed that adult development slows down dramatically - it is probably because she was so young that her brain was able to adapt.
AMAZING!!!!! At first I was watching that video and was feeling so bad for the little girl. Then by the end of the video I was saying Right On :) Good for her. The brain is an amazing tool. I had NO idea that that could happen and somebody still be able to function like that. Simply amazing.
Not quite understanding how connections are being rebuilt? Is this case one of many or one of a kind?
Many
Truly amazing what the human brain can do. But it is so much easier for the brain to make new connections when we are young. Is that because it's more adaptable & has more connections verses when we are older and have already gone through the pruning process?
That was amazing..I never would have thought we could live with just half of brain...
that was so sad...i am so amazed at how well your brain can work with just half of it gone.
the brain is the most impressing organ of the body. what other organ can iperate with only half of it? none im pretty sure. that is crazy!!
i think it is awesome that someone can have half a brain and still be able to do all that. but my question is how does half a brain compare to someone who drinks alcohol a lot.
the fact that someone can operate with half a brain at such a high level is such an amazing thing to me and just shows how powerful of an organ it is.
Catalina Rodriguez said:
The video Dealing with stress, explains how body and brain get in alert when is under stress because it increases heart rate and hormone levels.
When a child is not care, the stress alert system keeps activated. As consequence, toxin stress produces reduction of neuron connexion and it avoids growth of new ones. So, we, as parents, should ensure our children environment and makes it stable and nurturing.
Thanks,
Catalina Rodriguez
Catalina Rodriguez said:
Hello!!!
I would like to know what are some psychological consequences of the children under stress environment?
Thanks,
Catalina
I love that our bodies and our brains heal themselves. That even if a child has undergone abuse, they still have a chance to heal and learn not be violent themselves. Because the neurons in our brains are constantly changing. Strengthening the cells we use a lot and pruning the ones we don't use as much.
It is so important to respond the a child's stress in an appropriate way and time as the continuation of the high stress level can damage the child's stress response system. Prolonged stress response can reduce and cause weaker brain connections.
It is so sad how domestic abuse can cause the child's brain (even if they are an infant during the abuse) can change the child's brain and can cause mental health problems. A good natured child can witness abuse and change into either a depressed individual or a bully as they do not know how to express themselves and how the abuse affected them. Negative childhood experiences affects coping methods that can last into adulthood.
It is amazing how one can live with half of a brain.who would have thought.
I have heard the saying..."A baby needs to cry, it strengthens their lungs." Is there a length of time to allow a baby to cry or is it better to try to console the child to prevent less stress for the child?
That would be a good question for the child's pediatrician. Not all children are the same but there are some general guidelines. Because there are medical implications, I'd prefer the child's doctor to answer.
Dealing with stress is so important, we know that as adults, but children obviously are not able do to that yet and we need to be there and make sure that they are supported and have us as a buffer. Toxic stress can harm a childs brain so much and we need to make sure that they are in a stable environment.
I'm a little confussed. I was informed about the self-soothing method and now with this information about toxic stress has me questioning this method. Does this mean that the self-soothing method is incorrect? That it infacts causes problems for the child?
It depends on the age of the child. Infants need to know that their needs will be met and need to develop attachment with those who meet their needs. As a child grows older it is important for them to learn to sooth themselves.
I learned today that a 3 year old witnessin abuse would have more trauma from it than an older child would.
It makes me sad to think that maybe some of the emotional distress that my older kids have is because of what they were raised around. A father who is constantly in a bad mood and blames others for his bad behavior. I think I am going to learn a new way to approach this issue. I feel so bad for my kids.
We all make mistakes, none are perfect. We move on and try to do better every day and encourage others to do the same and let go of the past.
The brain is an amazing thing,such a incredible organ.
This article helped me to realize i should pay attention to everything that i do with and around my son.
When a child is around an abusive or stressfull situations they still have a chance to heal and learn not be violent themselves. When children are exposed to violence, they will act out more often and its a lifetime struggle.
The biggest thing we can do is connecting with healthy adults and positive relationships.
I believe this information should be more widely know. And with the pace of life these days it is becoming harder and harder to maintain a low stress level, That is the way I feel anyway. I hope I don't stress my kids out to much. Maybe I should have a look at that - James Hudlin
Until the day you die, your brain has the ability to add new neurons. You have the ability to heal.
I love how the top video ends on an up note. It's not all doom and gloom, even tough children who are exposed to violence are wounded, they can be helped.
from these two videos, i learned that as a child care provider, i could be a source of comfort and relief from toxic stress.
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