Building Brain Connections

I was traveling on an airplane this week and I had the privilege of sitting next to a mechanical engineer. He was traveling for work on his latest project, a new medical device for heart patients. I was fascinated by the new procedures he was explaining, but he seemed just as fascinated with my early childhood knowledge. He has two small children and admitted that he and his wife don't always know the best approach for teaching their little ones. Our conversation evolved to a discussion about building capacities in the brain. I told him how critical it was to give young children as many experiences and support as possible so they can build as many brain connections as possible (<a href="http://www.discountschoolsupply.com/Product/ProductDetail.aspx?product=24922&category=452&es=10490500000" target="'_New">check out Dr. Jean's information</a>). We know that the connections formed during early childhood will have life long effects. We discussed how his new device might help patients avoid a heart bypass operation, but there was no shortcut to providing young children with positive, supportive experiences during these critical years. Early childhood is the time to build strong brain connections. I continue to admire all of the wonderful people in the world that devote their lives to young children.

Building Brain Connections

I was traveling on an airplane this week and I had the privilege of sitting next to a mechanical engineer. He was traveling for work on his ...

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Children and Domestic Violence

A new study from the NSPCC examines the difficult issue of domestic violence and the support received by children who are witnesses to such incidents. The research, which was carried out by a team at the University of Central Lancashire, assessed the response of children's services in the aftermath of such incidents, and lists a series of recommendations for improvement to existing practice.<br /><br />A 12 page summary version of <a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/Findings/children_experiencing_domestic_violence_summary_wdf68552.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-style: italic;">Children and Families Experiencing Domestic Violence: Police and Children's Social Services' Responses</span></a>, containing a bullet point list of the findings and recommendations is available now. The full report is due to follow later this year.<br /><br />Incidentally, for anyone planning a dissertation on some aspect of safeguarding children, the NSPCC also provides suggested <a href="http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/factsandfigures/readinglists/reading_lists_wda48913.html" target="_blank">reading lists</a> on topics such as child law, child protection, separation and divorce and many others, which will give you a good idea of the important books and reports in that area.

Children and Domestic Violence

A new study from the NSPCC examines the difficult issue of domestic violence and the support received by children who are witnesses to such ...

Read more »