Helping or Hindering

As your toddler is developing they will be exploring their environment, and it's ok once it's in a safe space. Your toddler may try to pull items, push items, jump and climb all of this is normal allow them the opportunity to do these activities. She may also try to put her arm through her shirt herself, encourage it. She may want to try and hold the fork or spoon to feed herself. Encourage it. If you don't then you will hinder their development. Remember the brain develops in stages.

When neurons are not used their  synapse connections decrease. In order to support neuron development in infants and toddlers you must have a positive environment that is responsive to the children’s need.

v  They need many opportunities to practice new skills and explore the environment within safe boundary

v  Infants should be provided with a lot of sensory experiences and encourage movements and playfulness

By doing this it will help with the next level of development.  Remember the brain develops in stages. These functions are specifically tied to

 

Frontal lobe–

the part of the brain located behind the forehead that is involved in critical thinking, problem solving, planning, reasoning, and decision making

 

These skills are critical for both school and life. You think you are helping but in reality you are hindering a necessary development.

 

 

 

Be well