Most parents have the best of intentions, but it can be hard to know which way to go when it comes to education. We all want to do what is best for and for our children, but it is not always an easy task. Science is making it a little easier, and technology is helping us study the developing brain.
Modern practices that hinder parenting
Parenting has its phases, but modern beliefs and practices can hinder a healthy brain and emotional development of children. children.
- The waiting time. One of the modern parenting practices that has attracted a rethink from experts is that of waiting time. The practice of isolating children in a room or an isolated area when they misbehave is widely used.
- Babies have to cry. Another belief is that of that babies should cry and that this is good for them. There are people who think that letting children cry is normal. But science has found that letting a child cry isn’t as helpful as initially thought.
Parenting practices that nurture child development
An investigation from the University of Notre Dame suggests that there are a number of parenting practices that nurture social development and brain development in children. Take note:
- Responding to a crying baby influences the development of conscience
- Touching a baby is a positive way to nurture them, also children. With caresses, hugging, holding him in your arms… all this helps to manage stress, control impulses and improve empathy.
The right side of the brain
The right side of the brain regulates much of our self-regulation, creativity and empathy… it is an area of the brain that can grow throughout life. The right side grows despite the experience or the body. Sometimes children may have a messy life, or they may like dance or art… but regardless of the child’s life, the right side of the brain will continue to grow. For this reason, no matter the age of the child, parents can do creative activities with children because in this way both the child’s and the adult’s brain will grow together.
Not long ago, research from the New York University Langone Medical Center, found that a mother’s presence has a wonderful effect on a baby’s cry. A mother is able to soothe pain, but it can also positively influence development of the brain by altering genetic activity in the part of the brain involved in emotions.
Science continues to evolve
The science continues to evolve and so do the ideas of raising people. It can be easy to fall into the bottomless pit of guilt and question what we do as parents or what we’ve done, but not many people know exactly what the perfect way to parent is.
There is a lot of advice, research, different opinions about the influence we have on our children… but the reality is that no research is 100% infallible and that it will be the maternal instinct that really helps to know what is best for our children. Positive discipline, emotional education and neuroeducation can help you find the path that makes you feel more comfortable in the education of your children.