The title of this blog is credited to my reading the memoir of paediatrician Simon Rowley – a senior neonatologist at Auckland Hospital with special interest in brain development of the new born. He is also a trustee for the Brainwave Trust.
Brainwave was formed in response to scientific evidence on the impact that early life experiences have on the brain development of a child. In a nutshell- if the first 1000 days of a child’s life are filled with love and attachment to a caregiver you are laying the foundation for a healthy and successful adulthood.
Interestingly, research indicates that literacy also begins at birth. Therefore, the earlier parents begin reading with their children, the better. I recall encouragement when my daughter started school for the kids to read for 10 minutes per day; adding up to a 600,000+ word exposure in 1 year!
With regards to vision development, the first 8 years of a child’s life are critical. From birth the eyes begin to fixate- initially to a mother’s face, then the eyes begin to work as a team and by the age of 5 the oculomotor system is well entrenched allowing a child to track a moving target or along a page of print. The visual system has developed to a point where the child is now ready to learn at school.
Any disruption to vision development must be detected during this critical period while there is still a high level of ‘neuroplasticity’. This enable opportunity to re-model the neural pathway to the visual part of the brain and prevent any permanent disruption to an optimised visual system.
It is vital to provide babies and children with a variety of visual stimuli and physical activity and be mindful of screen time vs green time- ie time outdoors. And don’t forget the enjoyment of reading an actual book as opposed to an e-book or looking at a screen.
The American Academy of Paediatrics recommends zero screen time for children under 18 months, a little screen time can be okay for older toddlers, and children 2 and older should get no more than an hour of screen time per day.
I know from experience it is not always easy to minimise screen time, but some things I am mindful of with my daughter when she wants to watch you tube on my phone;
I encourage her to hold the phone further away and rest it on a stand at eye level to avoid, hand, neck and eye strain. If available, I prefer the ipad due to its larger display and ability to stand on a desk. Better yet, I will chromecast the video content to the television so she can sit even further back.
If you have any concerns about your child’s vision development please make contact or book an appointment.
http://www.brainwave.org.nz/why-reading-matters/