How adults can assist child’s brain development
Hello, Adult. Welcome to my brain. The first five years of life are really, really important. That is when most of my brain is being wired — millions of neurons are making billions of connections.
I’m learning all the time — at every moment of my day. Everything around me is teaching me, but the most important teacher of all is you. I learn constantly but there are some basic things I want to be able to do really well by the time I’m five years old and heading to kindergarten. These are called milestones and I can’t reach them without lots of help. Your help!
One big area of my development is my social skills. Did you know I develop a lot of these skills through play? I need a lot of time to play — every day! As a five-year-old, I am learning to respect and get along with other children as I play with them. I can follow rules, instructions and routines. I accept responsibility for my actions. I can understand sharing and recognize other people’s feelings. I can stand up for myself when needed. Here are a few things I need from you:
• Continue helping me find words for my feelings and help me name my emotions — even the negative ones.
• Help me learn manners.
• Teach me sharing and problem solving by playing lots of different games with me. Let me practise losing and being sad about it. When I feel sad, disappointed or frustrated, it is OK. My tears help me grow. At those times I need to especially know you are there for me.
• Ask me what I think about things like decisions that affect me or others. Really listen to my answers and ask questions. Get me thinking!
• Show me how to be accepting of others and how to celebrate their differences. Be a good role model.
My social competence is a critical part of my development! If you want to learn more about supporting my healthy development, visit www.lethbridgeearlyyears.ca or contact lethbridgeearlyyears@gmail.com.
Lethbridge Early Years Coalition is made up of parents and community members from over 40 organizations who believe all children deserve a great start in life. A child’s early experiences and environments have lifelong impacts on everything from mental and physical health to success in school, work and relationships. Lethbridge Early Years works with community partners to create positive environments for young children, build awareness of the importance of the early years, act as a voice for the early years and host community events centered around early childhood development.