Have you ever wondered why your little one behaves in such curious ways? It turns out, toddlers have brains that are still growing and changing! Imagine this: when babies are born, their brains are only a quarter of the size of an adult’s brain. But by the time they’re three years old, their brains have grown to about 80% of adult size! That’s a lot of growing in just a few short years.
So, when your toddler throws a tantrum, bites, or has a meltdown, it’s not because they’re trying to make you upset. It’s simply because their brains are still developing. Toddlerhood is a time when big emotions can feel overwhelming, and it’s all part of the growing process. In order to foster a positive behaviour, it is important to mindfully nurture your toddler’s brain health.
My Experience
I’ve noticed differences in brain development between my two toddlers, who are 3 and a half years old and 20 months old. My son, the younger one, loves to explore everything he can get his hands on, like the bathroom if the door is left open. He also doesn’t mind making a mess, while my daughter is much more careful and cleans up after herself. When they’re doing puzzles, my daughter finishes them faster because her brain works a little quicker at this age.
It is fascinating to observe my toddlers’ unique cognitive developments at this stage. Another example: while my daughter has grasped the concept of sidewalk safety, my son is still learning. He eagerly explores the world around him but hasn’t quite understood the dangers posed by moving cars. So, whenever he is not in his stroller (buggy), holding his hand becomes a must to keep him safe. This is a reminder of the gradual nature of cognitive growth and the importance of guiding my toddlers through each step of their learning journey.
Research Insight
In a recent conference, Transforming Toddlerhood by Devon Kuntzman, Dr. Dan Siegel, a Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, explains how a toddler’s brain development affects their behaviour. By 18 months old, the prefrontal cortex of a toddler’s brain starts to develop rapidly. This part of the brain helps them understand emotions, like sadness, by associating feelings with words. How you react as a parent can influence how they understand and express these emotions.
3 Tips for Supporting Your Toddler’s Brain Development and Behaviour
- Journal about your own experiences: Writing about your thoughts and feelings can help you better understand yourself, which can in turn help you understand and support your toddler.
- Play your P.A.R.T: Be Present, Attuned, Resonant, and Trusting in your interactions with your toddler. Try to understand and respond to their emotions with empathy.
- Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to what your toddler is feeling at each stage of their development. This can help them develop important cognitive skills and emotional awareness.
Visit drdansiegel.com or mindsightinstitute.com for much more materials.
Conclusion
Understanding your own emotions can help you better support your toddler’s development by providing a solid foundation of empathy and understanding. As parents, we are not only the caretakers of their physical well-being but also the guides for their emotional growth. By acknowledging and accepting their emotions, we teach them that it’s okay to feel whatever they’re feeling.
This validation lays the groundwork for healthy emotional expression and resilience as they grow. So, the next time your toddler is upset or acting out, take a moment to reflect on your own emotions and respond with compassion. Your support in navigating their emotional world will make a significant impact on their overall development and well-being.
Action Point
Can you think of a time when your toddler’s behaviour made more sense once you understood it was just part of their brain development? Share your stories below!
Reference
First Thing First. Brain Development. Accessed on: 8 May 2024. Available at: https://www.firstthingsfirst.org/early-childhood-matters/brain-development/#:~:text=At%20birth%2C%20the%20average%20baby’s,center%20of%20the%20human%20body.
National Institute of Mental Health. The Teen Brain: 7 Things to know. Accessed on: 8 May 2024. Available at: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/the-teen-brain-7-things-to-know#:~:text=The%20brain%20finishes%20developing%20and,prioritizing%2C%20and%20making%20good%20decisions.
Siegel, D. How Toddler Brain Development Impacts Toddler Behaviour . Transforming Toddlerhood 7th Annual Conference, hosted by Devon Kuntzman. May 1-5 2024.