Bridging the Gap between Brain Research and Practices

I heard an excellent message at a conference last Friday presented by Human Behavior Specialist, Jeanine Fitzgerald. Jeanine brought research about brain development and her experiences with powerful stories and levity. We in the audience laughed heartily and wiped tears from our eyes. If I had to put it in a nutshell, the message was to love children so they truly feel it and to provide an environment that supports healthy development. The research about brain development is there; it has been for many years. For one, behavior modification does not work. Stickers and charts are vehicles of coercion and manipulation that will never replace the power of authentic human interactions in teaching appropriate behaviors. In authentic relationships, we take care of a child's needs, and the outcome is for the child to become whomever he or she is meant to be. Belonging is key but fitting in is not essential (humans are unique). We create a feeling of belonging by sharing love and understanding and providing an environment that supports healthy development. Begin by removing the distractions. They include: screen time, too much stuff, not enough community, too much time in the car, not enough time overall (lots of hurrying) and exposure to violence. Steer clear of them; they contribute to increased impulsivity, irritability and anxiety. By removing them, we create space for healthy development. Practices that support brain development are: proper nutrition, age-appropriate expectations, sufficient time, managed stress (reducing the number of transitions and not hurrying for example), social support and movement. As far as movement goes, children need to experience being upside down, spinning, rolling, crashing, rocking and heavy lifting to develop their brains. When they do, they gain confidence and grow comfortable in their own skin. Developing children deserve a movement rich environment as well as nutritious food, healthy relationships and age-appropriate expectations; that's how we bridge the gap between research and practice. If you are interested in observing an environment where healthy brain development is supported by all the above, please come for a tour of the Rose Garden Early Childhood Center on a Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.. Feel free to bring a friend, just email us first so we put out enough tea cups.