The First 3 Years Last Forever

There is so much amazing research available to us these days about neuroscience and early childhood development. And it’s actually pretty mind blowing to learn that the first 3 years of life are when the most profound and significant development takes place. In fact the brain at birth is only a quarter of the size of an adult’s fully-grown brain and in the first year alone it doubles in size! 

Sometimes when we hear these facts we think “Quick – we’ve got to teach the child as much as we can while the brain is still so malleable!” But actually it’s got nothing to do with early academies and flash cards - the young brain isn’t ready for this cognitive learning. Instead, the biggest influence on whether a child develops a healthy brain or not is in the quality of early relationships she receives with the adults in her life. 

When a baby enters this world he is dependant on his caregivers for his survival until such time as he matures and becomes independent. When his basic needs are met during childhood - the need for food, sleep and warmth as well as the emotional need for love and connection - his brain is happy because he knows he is safe. With a happy brain your child is in the perfect state for learning.

And there is so much learning to do – learning how to walk or to talk, learning what grass feels like under the feet or the taste of homemade bread and learning how to be a social being in this world. This process of learning is hardwired in the brain to naturally unfold when secure attachment lays the foundation of a healthy brain. Responsive, consistent and warm caregivers who become the role models of love and kindness – that’s what the young brain needs most!

Interested to learn more about how early experience shape the brain? Take a look at this wonderful article by Brainwave Trust to find out more.

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