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From birth to age 5, children’s brains develop the most compared to any other time in their life. The brain doubles in size in the first year. It reaches 80% of adult size by age of 3 and 90% by age of 5.1
The child’s relationship with his parents and family members, is the most important influence on his brain development. Parents and caregivers who give attention, respond and interact with their child, play a main role in building the child’s brain and support him to become an independent adult who leads a healthy and successful life.2
Children are born ready to learn and acquire many skills over the years. 2 That’s why it’s crucial to talk, sing, read and play with young children from the day they’re born, to give them opportunities to explore their physical world, and to provide safe, stable and nurturing environments. 1 Speaking with children and exposing them to books, stories, and songs help support healthy brain growth and strengthen their language and communication skills, which puts them on a path towards learning and succeeding in school. 2
On the other hand, children are known to have endless repetitive questions which can test the limits of the most patient parents. These queries, however, must be acknowledged and responded to in a manner that not only provides answers, but also validates and reinforces the child’s curiosity. 3
Unfortunately, on the other side, poverty, exposure to family violence and the absence of early learning experiences can negatively impact a child’s brain development, and consequently, their future success. 1
Dr David Amendine
Pediatrician Neonatologist
