One of the aspects we focus on at SmartGamesAndToys is development because it encompasses all aspects of learning and targets growth and progress.  This includes being physically healthy, mentally alert, emotionally sound, and socially competent.  We believe there is more to learning than the grades earned in the classroom.  According to factsforlife.org the first five years of a child’s life are fundamentally important.  Those years provide a foundation and structure for the future health, well-being, development, learning achievements and life in general.  Recent research provides evidence for the first five years being crucial for a child’s brain development and the first three years providing the brains architecture.  These early experiences are so important because they determine the brains organizational development and later determine the child’s social and emotional abilities. 

               

There is proof that rapid development happens in the first five years of a child’s life.  There are explosions of growth in the area of the brain for cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional and motor skills.  The brain grows while the senses are engaged.  Every time a child sees, hears, smells, tastes, or touches there are neural connections being made.  When these new experiences are repeated, this begins to shape how a child thinks, feels and behaves in the future.  I like to use the visual of a flow of water.  The path the water takes over time will eventually begin to form a deep groove so the water continues to flow that way naturally.  It becomes the default; it becomes habit.  So if there are good habits formed early in life then there is more opportunity for that individual’s peace of mind.  If bad habits are formed then it will be more of a struggle to overcome these behaviors and beliefs such as emotional upsets, lack of self-confidence, stress, anxiety, and depression to name a few. 

But you don’t have to be related to Einstein or have a high IQ to raise a well-rounded child.  Basic interaction goes a long way.  Love and affection encourage growth, development and future potential just as much as sending them to Harvard; probably even more so.  Interaction with your child now influences later abilities such as learning, self-confidence, positive social skills, and successful relationships at later ages, as well as a sense of empathy.  It is amazing the power of “time on” with another.  And by “time on” I mean interacting.  Just being together; playing.  I have always loved the saying “The couple who plays together, stays together.”  There is truth in that and it works with your kids as well (and dogs for that matter).  So enjoy your kids; play with them and spend time with them.  Cherish time with your kids and not only will they feel loved but they will be learning and developing as well.