An abundance of research over decades has demonstrated the importance of relationships on the developing brain. Studies have shown that humans are biologically designed for relationships and now there are more recent research findings on the significance of timing.
Babies are born with a primary need to have someone care for and provide for them. A newborn is completely dependent on at least one relationship with another person. Through having someone lovingly and consistently respond to expressed needs in a nurturing way, brain pathways for optimal development are being created at an extremely rapid rate.
If an infant’s needs for touch, nutrition, warmth, security and sleep are responded to repeatedly, timely and predictably in a caring way, this will create the feelings of connection, safety and trust that the immature brain craves and requires.
Since early relationships directly impact the way that a brain develops, they can have an effect on relationships, physical and mental health, behavior and learning in many ways.
Children whose needs are not met consistently or with harshness will more likely have an extensive focus on survival, develop controlling behaviors, stress related illnesses, may develop a belief in unworthiness, have difficulty with learning and more.
Continuous research reinforces this knowledge. It is importantly also providing enhanced understanding that nurturing relationships have a significant influence in the first two months.
“The basic finding is that the experiences of the first two months of life have a disproportionately important impact on your long-term health and development. This has to do with the remarkably rapid growth of the brain early in life, and the organization of those all-important core regulatory networks." -Bruce D. Perry, M.D, Ph.D.
This article is from the October issue of The First 60 Days Magazine. Enjoy benefitting as a result of reading more, accessing resources, gaining simple insights and sharing with others from this free digital magazine!
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