How times have changed. My children were born in the 80's before the internet and our source of how to parent came from our own parents and Dr Spock. Technology and new research is changing this for the current generation of parents. There are thousands of parenting sites and books about different methods and ideas. There is also new science coming from many great universities like Harvard on how early brain development happens and what ingredients are key drivers for healthy human potential in the 21 st. century.
One of the greatest social challenges of the developing world is education and how to effectively ensure that children survive the early years and develop their potential. Parents and caregivers are the first educator in a child's life. Harvard is proving that the first 1000 days of life is where the future potential of that child is defined and developed. This period starts from conception until the child's second birthday. A child is born with millions of neurons in their tiny brain that need to be connected through stimulus and to build strong pathways for the future. The healthy brain connections happen through three main drivers. Nutrition of mom and baby, a safe and stress free environment and cognitive stimulation. These connections happen through love and engagement from the parents and those close to the child. Singing, playing, talking and reading to your child are key basic drivers for these connections. Technology like ipads and television do not develop the brain in the same way that basic good old parenting can. The challenge is that parents are busy and many are either ignorant or outsource their role to someone else. The key driver is engagement.
The 21st century workplace has parents working long hours and also bringing work home via smart phones and other devices. In fact many families never switch off and spend quality time with their children. This is a key challenge that needs to be managed to ensure that the self esteem, confidence and human potential of your child is developed.
At the other end of the spectrum we have many single moms and parents living in poverty who may be unaware of how important their role is with their children. All parents have a dream to want the best for their children and many sacrifice what money they have to send their children to good schools, or place them in an early learning centre. The social challenge and solution is to educate these parents so that they can help develop the potential in the early years.Secondly to ensure that caregivers looking after children whose parents are working keep them safe, well fed and also learn how to stimulate their brains, develop their bodies and create an environment for play and discovery.
This new research is changing the way countries view the lives of children and where investment should be placed to ensure an increase in human potential. In South Africa we need to do the same. The National Development Plan has this on the radar and there is policy discussion on how this needs to happen. The challenge is that this takes time and every individual can help to bring change right now for just one child, a school or a community. The BEE legislation allows investment and BrainBoosters has focused on helping companies to use turnkey solutions for their BEE transformation in this very important space.
Please take a look at our website for more details and feel free to engage with me for more information. www.brainboosters.co.za or lyndas@brainboosters.co.za
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