Watch this video to see why our early experiences matter to lifelong brain health and what we can ALL do as Brain Builders to help kids lay solid foundations so they can build resilient brains that thrive – now and into the future.
Transcript:
Brains aren’t just born. The developing brain is constantly forming and reforming, and the experiences we have during infancy, childhood, and adolescence directly shape how our brains and bodies grow. A child’s ecology—specifically nurturing relationships and safe, supportive environments—is the most important element in building a strong brain architecture.
Research tells us there are many factors that contribute to brain building within the ecology of the whole child, but one thing is certain: a child’s relationships are a key part of laying the foundations of a strong brain architecture. These positive relationships can have a powerful impact on the development of supportive neural pathways in the brain and body.
Through the important role you play in the lives of the children, parents and caregivers, families and communities you work with, you can have a direct impact on how children’s brains are built. You can help children and families to build resilience through the process of increasing and strengthening positive experiences and capabilities and preventing and reducing negative experiences. And you can use the science of neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to grow and reorganise connections—to help children create new stories and shape their futures, even if they’ve been through trauma and adversity.
We all need to work together as a team of brain builders to support children’s relationships, development and well‑being. No matter the kind of service you work in, you can identify actions that will support children’s neurodevelopment and ensure children are visible at all levels of the system.
A focus on building brain architecture early in life not only benefits infants, children and adolescents in the short term, it creates a solid foundation for health outcomes later in life. Supporting child development, including the growing brain and body, also forms the basis of healthy communities and a productive, sustainable society.
The video is also available on our YouTube channel.
