Through my work and involvement with The Urban Child Institute, I have learned that during the first three years of a child's life, family, home environment, and interactions with adults are the major factors in shaping the mental foundation for learning. Making the most of children's early upbringing has the potential to improve education and health and decrease poverty and unemployment – issues that are of great interest to me as someone who is concerned about the future of our community and our country.
The 2011 holiday season is here and – for many families – it brings higher heating bills, worries about gift expenses, and disrupted schedules. Too often, this is a recipe for added household stress, with negative consequences for the brain development and well-being of young children.
Saturday Morning Cartoons Not Meant for Babies
August 29, 2011
Babies are born with the ability to learn anything and retain an enormous amount of information during their first years of life. Thus, early exposure to social and interactive activities will create unique learning experiences that help a baby adapt and adjust to his or her new environment. By simply spending time with your baby and giving him or her attentive love and care, you are nurturing their cognitive development.
