What is the best gift that we can give our children?

The first word that may come to mind is love. While that is true, love encompasses a multitude of things. For instance, we show love when we get up and go off to work everyday to provide food, shelter and clothing for them. Some parents even take on two jobs! Just to make sure that their children have it better than they themselves did.
Love is shown…
…when  preparations are made for their future, Such as when funds are set aside for college or to help get them off to a good start in life.  Love also includes giving them special attention during the most crucial period in their lives. This is when the brain is at it’s peak for development. Before they reach the age of seven (and in particular, the first 3 years.) This is the best time to lay the best foundation possible. There are reasons for this.

80% of a child’s  brains neural pathways are formed before then. Scientists only now have equipment (such as brain scanners) to see what is happening in a child’s brain; and they are reaching some very disturbing conclusions;

“the brain will trim away any brain cells that are not being stimulated in the early years”.

“The first three years, sets the basis for competence and coping skills, that will affect learning, behavior and health throughout life”.

“There is disturbing evidence that children who do not receive the nutrition
and stimulation necessary for good development in the earliest months and years of life may have great difficulty overcoming deficits later.”

“Children who receive inadequate or disruptive stimulation will be more likely
to develop learning, behavioral or emotional problems in later stages of life
(including an increased incidence of juvenile delinquency and crime for
males)”

So, how important it is that we also show love when it comes to helping our children through this very important stage of development? We want to make sure that we don’t short change them in this regard – If we truly love them we won’t.

This information was taken from “The Early Years Report” written by Paul Mackie, a professional Early Childhood Educator and Wholistic Therapist, who has worked with gifted children for over 15 years. If you would like to read Mr. Mackie’s report, you can download it by clicking here.

Written by Otha Alexander

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