The newest neurological research shows that the part of the brain that controls attachment develops from 20 weeks gestation until 9 to 12 months after the child is born. After that, the orbitofrontal cortex, which controls our ability to attach to others as well as our ability to self soothe, is done. The connections between that part of the brain and others can be stregthened or weakened for the rest of our lives, but the development is done by one year old.
This means that our job of instilling character and self-control in our children begins when their mom is expecting! Our children feel what she feels, taste what she tastes, and has access to her experience from early in the pregnancy. So we need to do everything we can to make the pregnancy a positive experience. Children of moms who have a pleasant and secure pregnancy will develop a healthier brain.
Are you scared yet? At least a bit intimidated? Good!
After delivery, the job of keeping the mom secure and not stressed continues to be important. Of course it is important to spend time with our children and bond with them as well, that is key! But is might be easy to overlook the part we can and should play is supporting the emotional health of their mom. That is crucial to the brain development of our children.
Children who can attach are more resilient and happier! They can calm themselves and grow to nurture others, they can delay gratification. These are very crucial issues and completely germane to this discussion.
I completely concur with the article, but have to add the pertinent information about this new research. Teaching character goes back to protecting the neurological development of the children so that they can attain character. And that is a sobering thought indeed.
Trey
Drtrey3 Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Father of Four including 5 year old triplets
It starts early!
The newest neurological research shows that the part of the brain that controls attachment develops from 20 weeks gestation until 9 to 12 months after the child is born. After that, the orbitofrontal cortex, which controls our ability to attach to others as well as our ability to self soothe, is done. The connections between that part of the brain and others can be stregthened or weakened for the rest of our lives, but the development is done by one year old.
This means that our job of instilling character and self-control in our children begins when their mom is expecting! Our children feel what she feels, taste what she tastes, and has access to her experience from early in the pregnancy. So we need to do everything we can to make the pregnancy a positive experience. Children of moms who have a pleasant and secure pregnancy will develop a healthier brain.
Are you scared yet? At least a bit intimidated? Good!
After delivery, the job of keeping the mom secure and not stressed continues to be important. Of course it is important to spend time with our children and bond with them as well, that is key! But is might be easy to overlook the part we can and should play is supporting the emotional health of their mom. That is crucial to the brain development of our children.
Children who can attach are more resilient and happier! They can calm themselves and grow to nurture others, they can delay gratification. These are very crucial issues and completely germane to this discussion.
I completely concur with the article, but have to add the pertinent information about this new research. Teaching character goes back to protecting the neurological development of the children so that they can attain character. And that is a sobering thought indeed.
Trey
Drtrey3 Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Father of Four including 5 year old triplets