Early brain development should be a priority for all parents. Here's why. | Guestview
The pivotal importance of early brain development is undeniable. Research shows 85 percent of the brain is developed in the first three years of life, and the number of words a child hears in that critical stretch is the key to unlocking their potential. What could be more important than giving every child the opportunity to be the best they can be? The more new parents who understand this, the more children, and in turn our community, will be set up to succeed.
That’s why Studer Community Institute (SCI) is in the business of Building Brains. We have many programs designed to inform and empower parents. An effort that is currently growing in impact is Basics Insights Text Messaging Service. It’s a free resource that delivers twice a week texts throughout the first three years of life, providing difference-making tips, techniques and reminders centered around the pivotal importance of building your baby’s brain.
More: Why pediatricians may soon be talking to parents more about early brain development
Ashley and Ivory McDonald are a great example of why this matters. The Pensacola couple signed up for Basics Insights shortly after the birth of their first child, Berklee.
“I love those text messages so much because they are big on communicating with your baby. One recently said when they babble and speak to you, make sure you respond to them so that they keep doing that, they keep communicating with you,” said Ashley McDonald.
Her husband Ivory added, “I think one of the best tips was on communication, about always, constantly communicating with my daughter. She's so young, I didn't think that she would even comprehend. But little did I know that she is learning. So, you have to keep communicating with her. I think that was so instrumental because I did not know those things.“
Basics Insights was created by Dr. Ronald Ferguson at Harvard University (a nice partner to have) and brought to Pensacola by SCI. The concept uses simple, science-based tips and activities to help parents incorporate early childhood learning into everyday routines. “We got a text about how she's going to like to look in the mirror and to encourage that, take her by the mirror so she can see herself and look at her reflection,” said Ashley McDonald, “It's funny because once we get the texts, I would maybe notice that, oh, she is doing this or maybe trying to do this and you see that and it’s just kind of a reassurance, like, she is doing this.”
I have heard many examples of parents sharing how the ah-ha moments, comforting reassurances and pivotal reminders are a game-changer. For the McDonald’s, the impact on their daughter’s development is unmistakable.
The simple reminders are just as valuable as the new insights.
No matter what your socio-economic background is, or how much parenting experience you have, the texts are a difference-maker. That’s hammered home when I hear from a multi-child parent who laments not having access to Basics Insights with their older kids.
At SCI our goal is to make Pensacola America’s first Early Learning City. It’s easy to see why Basics Insights is an important tool to get us there. Every parent in our area should know about this valuable resource. It will make our whole community better. Learn more and sign up for Basics Insights at studeri.org/pensacolabasics
Steve Nissim is chief storyteller for Studer Community Institute, a non-profit 501c(3) organization in the Pensacola, Florida area whose mission is improving the quality of life for all people in the diverse communities we serve. Learn more at www.studeri.org.
This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Early brain development should be a priority for all parents | SCI
