Education is a fundamental pillar for personal and professional development. Children begin to learn from the moment they are in their mothers’ wombs and the first 5 years are fundamental for their development. In them, more than a million neurons are formed per second, a rhythm that only occurs at that stage of development. The first experiences and their quality are essential to consolidate the basis of learning, health and behavior in their lives.
Childhood offers a unique opportunity to shape a child’s developmental trajectory. During these years the foundation is formed for children to reach their full potential in the future. To do this, they need love, health care, nutrition, protection and security. Some simple activities such as talking, singing or playing are essential to nourish the evolving brain and fuel a child’s growing body.
When children are deprived from an early age, they pay the price in terms of loss of potential. This can perpetrate cycles of poverty and inequality that affect entire generations. Therefore, investing in early childhood not only benefits children, but also society as a whole.
In a TED talk, Molly Wright, the youngest TED speaker at just 7 years old, talks about the importance of mindfulness during the first years of life and how that can affect the adults we become. According to the young woman, the good development of a child’s brain depends on five elements: connection, talking, playing, a healthy environment and community. It all helps our brains develop to their full potential.
Psychologists such as Lev Vygotsky believed that cognitive development depended on the social context and that children seek answers to their questions from people they consider wise: their mentors. Mentors help children structure their scaffolding, a support structure that helps them learn and that varies by culture.
Injuries suffered during childhood, whether physical, psychological or emotional, can affect our long-term physical and mental health. Anxiety disorders, depression or phobias can have a great impact on our ability to relate and can persist over the years, especially if left untreated.
The quality of family relationships during childhood also affects adult life. Parents are the models that transmit values, security, respect and support. A good relationship with them builds confidence and skills to face challenges in adult life.
According to the young Wright in her TED talk, “a good, strong relationship with an adult gives children the confidence they need to try new things, explore and be children.” She talks about the concept of Serve and return, which basically deals with the need to interact with the baby so that it develops properly. Something you can do to guarantee, in part, good development in your children, for example.
Although you cannot choose who your parents will be or your developmental context, you can make a choice in adulthood. For this you can go to therapy or train. There are courses you can access that will help you heal the wounds of the past to be whoever you want as an adult.
