Helping Your child’s brain grow: The magic of early development
Watching your child grow and learn is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent. What you might not realise is just how much is happening inside their little brain during those early years. From the day they’re born, your child’s brain is buzzing with activity, building the connections they’ll use for everything from learning to talking to understanding feelings. Let’s dive into why these early years are so important and how you can support your child’s amazing brain development.
Why the early years are important for brain development
Your child’s brain is like a sponge, soaking up everything around them. While they’re born with a basic blueprint from their genes, it’s the everyday experiences and relationships that shape a child’s brain. In the first three years, your child’s brain forms about 1,000 trillion connections! These connections help them learn about the world, figure out how to communicate, and start to understand emotions.
But here’s the thing: not all these connections stick around. The brain goes through a process where it keeps the connections that are used the most and lets go of the ones that aren’t. This is why the love and care you give your child every day are so important—they’re helping to build strong, lasting brain pathways that will set your child up for success in the future.
Child brain development stages
- Before Birth: Your child’s brain begins its development early, even before birth, with all five senses starting to function during this time. Prenatal sensory experiences play a vital role in shaping the brain and nervous system. As these initial connections form, the brain undergoes significant ‘wiring’ within the brain.
- 2–6 Months: In these first few months, your baby is soaking up your every interaction. They’re learning about emotions by watching how you respond to them. Whether it’s a giggle, a cry, or a coo, your reactions are teaching them about emotions. Your baby’s brain is developing as a result of the experiences and relationships they are exposed to each day.
- 6–9 Months: Around this time, your baby’s brain is growing at lightning speed. They’re starting to connect the dots between what they see, hear, taste, and feel. Playing with them and providing different interactions with yourself and other family members helps their brain keep learning and building their brain development
- 3 Years: By the time they’re three, your child’s brain is packed with connections—more than they’ll ever have again. This is a critical time for learning, and all the positive experiences you’ve shared so far are helping to build a strong foundation for everything they’ll learn next. Engaging with your child and providing a safe environment and physical care to your child has a significant impact on your child’s development.
- 3–5 Years: As your child gets ready for school, the early experiences they’ve had start to pay off. Children who have had lots of love, play, and learning opportunities are better prepared to take on new challenges and make the most of their school years.
How You Can Support Your Child’s Brain Growth
As a parent, you play the most important role in your child’s early brain development. Every time you talk to them, read a book, or play a game, you’re helping their brain grow. Creating a safe, loving, and fun environment is key to supporting their development. Families also play a crucial and continuous role in a child’s development. It’s important to remember that learning and growth don’t happen only at home, community programs and early learning centres are also valuable places for your child to thrive.
canopy Early Education: Here to Help Your Child Thrive
At canopy Early Education, we know how important these early years are for your child’s brain development. Our programmes are designed to provide a warm, nurturing environment where your child can learn, grow and discover. We’re here to support your child’s growth every step of the way, helping them build the strong brain connections they need for a bright future.
Resources: startingblocks.gov.au earlychildhood.qld.gov.au
