The Secret to An Exceptional Start to Your Kid’s Brain Development

Trying to make sure that a kid grows up to reach their full potential is something that most parents want, and while trying to do so might seem like an overly daunting challenge, the key to making this happen is actually much simpler than you think.

Before we get to the “big secret” however, we’d first like to pose a few questions to you: When you were younger, do you remember seeking for or needing attention? Do you know why that is?

As children, we are “hardwired” to give attention to, and receive it from our caregivers. In turn, the quality of these interactions are actually the basis of the way we grow up and develop our life skills. Which brings us back to our “secret to success”: The interactions that occur between you and your kid are the key to forming their development. This is what is known as Serve and Return.

Understanding Serve and Return

What it is

While it might seem from the last section that Serve and Return has to involve some sort of specialized and formal interactions, this simply isn’t the case. Any and all interactions that you have with your kid, like playing with, or talking to, or even just smiling at them, are all forms of Serve & Return, which is why it’s so simple to do.

How it works

These interactions are responsible for building neural connections in the brain, which form the basis for cognitive development¹. Each time you interact with your kid, you are not only helping to develop their brain connections, you are also starting the process of teaching them the life lessons that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Research shows that these exchanges help develop important social and emotional skills, laying the groundwork for future learning and problem-solving abilities², preparing them to eventually make friends, study in school, and even start their own families some day.

Why it’s important

The first 5 years of a kid’s life are the most crucial for their development. This is because in this time, their brains grow more than they ever will for the rest of their lives. This means that the development that occurs in this period shapes the foundation for all future development. The process of learning from these interactions actually begins in the womb, well before your kid is even born, meaning that every interaction between you and your kid truly plays a part in setting them up for an exceptional start.

Now that you have a better understanding of Serve and Return, let’s look at some specific interactions that you can have with your kid, and how they affect their development.

Encouraging Language Development

Language development is a critical aspect of early brain development. When you talk to your kid, read aloud, and sing to them, you're helping them build their vocabulary and understanding of language³. These activities encourage self-expression and communication, skills that are essential for later stages of their development when they meet or interact with new people⁴.

Building Memory, Trust, and Creativity

Incorporating interactive play, such as peek-a-boo or role-playing real-life situations, can not only aid in improving the memory of your kid, but it can also build their trust and exercise their creative thinking⁵, all of these being skills that they will continue to use for the rest of their lives.

Enhancing Focus and Vocabulary

Engaging in naming games not only stimulates your kid’s brain to hone their attention, but they are also a simple way to expand their vocabulary, teaching them new words and sounds, as they use their attention to focus on the objects that are being referred to.

How Do Parenting Styles Affect Development?

Different parenting styles can influence a kid's brain in different ways. Supportive parenting, characterized by warmth and responsiveness for example, is linked to positive cognitive and emotional outcomes⁶. While authoritative parenting, which combines warmth with structure, can foster a sense of security and encourage independence in your kid⁷.

On the other hand, helicopter parenting, which involves excessive control and involvement, may hinder a kid's ability to develop problem-solving skills and independence⁸. It's important to find a balance that allows your kid to explore and learn while feeling safe and supported.

What Role Does Technology Play?

In today's world, educational technology can be a very valuable tool in your kid's development. Educational apps and games designed for young kids can provide interactive and engaging learning experiences⁹. However, it's essential that you monitor tech usage, ensuring that it complements, rather than replaces, traditional play and interaction¹⁰.

Devices for example, can be used to present your kid with digital images for them to name, encouraging language and vocabulary development. Or, playing music for you and your kid to sing together will develop their social skills, while improving their language and motor skills.

All of this to say, supporting your kid's brain development in early childhood doesn't require complex strategies or tools. It all begins with simple, loving interactions that foster a strong foundation for cognitive and emotional growth.

Understanding that these Serve and Return interactions are the basis for all the development that your kid will experience is the key to ensuring that they get an exceptional start, so that they can grow up to reach their full potential.