Isn’t this a question a lot of us have? Why the first few years when development and learning is a life long process?

After intensive research by various child development experts, it has been found that a child’s development in the first few years of life is truly remarkable. The first six years are particularly important for the development of the child’s brain and first three years are the most critical in shaping the child’s brain architecture.   

Early experiences provide the base for the brain's organizational development and functioning throughout life. They have a direct impact on how children develop learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities.

As parents and experts it is important for us to know that the early years of our child's life are fundamentally important. They are the foundation that shapes the child’s future health, happiness, growth, development and learning achievement at school, in the family and community, and in life in general. 

It is also found that children learn more quickly during their early years than at any other time in life. They need love and nurturing to develop a sense of trust and securitythat turns into confidence as they grow.

Babies and young children grow, learn and develop rapidly when they receive love and affection, attention, encouragement and mental stimulation, as well as nutritious meals and good health care.

Each child is unique in his/her own way. Keeping that in mind, providing the right kind of exposure and learning in the early years would help bring up a more intelligent, emotionally stable, physically fit and a socially active child. 

About The Expert

Namrata Jain is our Consulting Psychologist at Brainsmith. She has a Masters in Psychology from Mumbai University and has worked with children and adults to help them achieve a better state of mind by encouraging healthy mental and behavioural growth.