I've always thought of early childhood as a time of carefree living -- long on play and short on tasks. But child development research overwhelmingly reveals that the first years of life may be anything but relaxed for a child's brain.
In fact, during the first three years of babies' development, their brains are growing and developing more rapidly than at any other time during their lives. The links or synapses that form early in life enable us to learn more easily later, in school and in life.
Picture this: Even before birth, 100 billion neurons sit in a baby's brain, all set to party but with no friends in sight. Then, one by one, they begin to send and receive information.
At birth, trillions of circuits are ready and make up a vast web of connections, like one big party line.
Whenever a child engages in infant activities like touching an object, looking into your eyes or hearing his father laugh, tiny bursts of electricity shoot through the brain, knitting more circuits together. The more connections, the more quickly and easily information can pass.
Young children work hard at making these connections. They use all their senses and a whole lot of energy to gather information that can help their brains to grow.
"All kinds of things can help these connections form," said Lena Montgomery, Ready to Learn Manager for Wayne County Regional Educational Service Association (RESA). "Exploring new places, meeting new people and trying out new things all help a child build strong brain connections. But they have to happen within safe surroundings."
And that's where families come in.
Families are Key
From the start, young children are very closely tied to their families. That's usually where they feel the most comfortable, safe and secure. As it turns out, it's with families that they also learn most easily during the early years.
"A child's brain develops best when the child feels safe and secure while trying out new things," said Montgomery. "When young brains are stressed, brain chemistry changes and it's much harder for those important connections to form."
That's why it's up to the adults in families to make sure babies, toddlers and preschoolers grow up in a balanced world -- one that's safe and interesting at the same time.
Sound complicated? Relax! Experts say you don't need a lot of money or a teaching degree to create a home base for learning. Almost any kitchen gadget, library book or song from your childhood can be a tool for growing brains.
"Families don't need flashcards or computers to get their kids ready for school," said Montgomery. "All they need is a world full of books, toys and lively conversation -- and a lot of tender loving care."
Linda Wacyk is Director of Communictions at the Michigan Association of School Administrators and a former EduGuide editor.