Brain development in early childhood

We recently reviewed a report written by Samantha Baker from the Telethon Kids Institute and it was talking about Brain development in early childhood.

There was a number of highlights within this article which we encourage you to have a read of, as we found it valuable knowledge for families.

• During the first few years of life, more than 1 million neural
  connections are formed within the brain every second;
  these neurons and their connections are the
  “bricks, mortar and wiring” of brain-building.
• How a child experiences the world in the early years can literally shape
  the structure and function of their brain.
• Safe and nurturing relationships strengthen the neural pathways and
  connections in a young child’s brain to provide a stable foundation
  for lifelong health and wellbeing.
• If a child is exposed to “toxic stress” such as extreme
  poverty, neglect or abuse, the architecture of the
  developing brain is weakened.
• However, the experience of at least one stable and
  responsive relationship with a parent or caregiver can
  help protect against the damaging effects of toxic stress
  on children’s brain development.