brain development

Developing Brain

Posted on by
A Number of Things to Remember about Child Development  I just finished reading an article from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child and wanted to summarize the things they want us to remember about how children develop.  “Development is a highly interactive process, and life outcomes are not determined solely by genes.” – The environment
read more
Posted in ,
stressed out child

Toxic Stress

Posted on by
I just listened to an Innovation Hub interview with Dr. Jack Shonkoff director of Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child (you can listen to this interview by clicking on the link). The core of this interview discusses the long term effects of toxic stress. Dr. Shonkoff suggests that everyone knows how it feels to be
read more
Posted in ,
child dissociative

Regulation – ups and downs part 3

Posted on by
Some children are both hyperaroused and dissociative depending on the situation. They may be activated by stressful life events and act out behaviorally. When the situation becomes too much they collapse into dissociation. This wide swing makes it extremely difficult for parents to follow. It seems as though they are on a wild ride over
read more
Posted in ,

6 Core strengths for healthy brain development

Posted on by
This week we will take the first 2 core strengths for healthy brain development which are attachment and self-regulation. Attachment is the capacity to form and maintain healthy emotional bonds with another person. It begins in infancy, as a child interacts with a loving, responsive and attentive caregiver.   It is important because this strength is
read more
Posted in , ,
childhood stress

Regulation – Dissociation Part 2

Posted on by
While some kids live hyper-aroused and are incorrectly diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder other children respond to early trauma by dissociating. This is particularly true if they experienced trauma as infants or toddlers. The three choices any human has to stress is flight, fight or freeze. Infants are incapable of running or fighting so
read more
Posted in , , ,