Do You Have Children 0-5 Years of Age?

By: Andrew McClure, MFT
Program Coordinator
Early Intervention

If so, they are in a period of rapid growth and brain development.  In fact, according to many experts, this period of a child’s development contains the greatest amount of change of any time in their life.  It is critical that during this time your child be in an environment that promotes healthy brain development and behavior. 

To promote healthy brain development, you and your family should consider developing a set of house rules together. These rules can be reinforced with the idea that they are based in love for the child. Reminders of the parent’s love for the child are a must and should be given in all situations.  Just as we may provide our children with positive responses, we can also expose them to negative elements that damage their development. 

Yelling, put-downs, family arguments and inappropriate exposure to media can all damage your child’s brain development.  These are often adult behaviors that can turn a child’s otherwise positive outlook to one of fear/anxiety, hopelessness/depression or lead to a variety of disruptive behaviors.  Keep your child in an environment where they can learn and maintain a positive outlook. 

Young children learn best in an environment that is patterned and repetitive.  For example, nursery rhymes and songs that young children enjoy are excellent learning tools.  Often these rhymes are repeated over and over again and contain a pattern or beat that can be put to music.  We may not think of it, but these patterned, repetitive responses are the very foundation for early learning.

For more information on promoting healthy brain development and behavior for your child get in touch with Sierra Vista’s Early Intervention Program.  Our consultants can help and guide you in creating a strong early learning environment.