Early, positive experiences key for development
By Priscilla Smith and Sandra Potter Marquardt
Medical research has touched many aspects of our lives during the past decade. From isolating genes that can be tracked to specific diseases to the wizardry of laser surgery, we have witnessed amazing discoveries in the last 10 years.
No less astounding have been scientific breakthroughs that have greatly enhanced our understanding of how the brain develops. These advances have very real and practical implications for how we interact with our children, particularly during the early years, from infancy to age 3.
Fifteen years ago, scientists widely believed that the structure of the human brain was genetically determined. But by the mid-1990s, researchers, applying the latest brain imagining technology, concluded that this is not so. Brain development is a blend of both nature (what we are born with) and nurture (the care and attention we received as children.)
They also found that the kinds of experiences babies and toddlers have during the first three years of life significantly impact the architecture of the brain, including the way information is processed, stored and applied.
As parents, we all want our children and grandchildren to have every opportunity to be successful.
No, we are not recommending that parents play Mozart to their babies still in the womb. What we are suggesting instead is that we undertake simple, but important measures to help children grow into lifelong learners and happy, productive adults.
When babies cry, we can hold them, sing to them, and cuddle them. We can inspire a love of books and early love of learning by reading to our children from the very first day of life. At the same time, we can provide good nutrition by making sure they eat the right portions of proteins, fruits and vegetables needed to promote healthy development of both the brain and body.
In recognition of the significance of brain development in the early years, the Scott County Empowerment Board has created and funded a comprehensive network of programs to assist parents and other adults raising young children.
The programs inform and demonstrate a range of methods parents can use with their children that will lay the foundation for success in school.
For example, the Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency's Parents as Teacher's Program is based upon the premise that parents are babies's first and most influential teachers.
According to program coordinator Jennifer Jansen, parents who participate in the program are supported by professional parent educators who suggest ways they can effectively teach and nurture their young children.
Pediatricians also provide valuable support to parents in charting the healthy growth and development of babies. It is very important for infants and toddlers to have regular check-ups beginning at birth so physicians can diagnose developmental problems early and provide advice and appropriate treatment.
Ellen Galinsky, president of the Families and Work Institute, reminds us that it is never too late to improve the quality of a child's life and that there are "many ways that we as parents, as caregivers, as citizens and as policy-makers can raise healthy, smart children."
In observance of Child Health Month, we encourage you, no matter what role you may play in this equation, to take an active and caring role in the lives of our children.
Fortunately, families have many great opportunities to learn about their child's development and to become active participants in that development.
For more information about the early years and community and health care resources for parents, contact the Scott County Empowerment Program at (563) 326-8221 or the Quad City Medical Society office at (563) 328-3390.