The Impact of Relationships on a Child’s Brain Development

In relation to the video entitled, “Pre-Birth to Three: Doctor Suzanne Zeedyk – Brain development,” Doctor Suzanne Zeedyk outlines the importance associated with relationships, as a baby’s brain will develop as a consequence of the relationships that they maintain.  Their brains develop based on the various kinds of relationships that babies have with other individuals and the responses that they receive in return.  One of the main aspects that Doctor Suzanne Zeedyk referred to, was the importance regarding the environment that a young child resides in.  She used the example of domestic abuse.  If a baby was brought up in an environment where domestic abuse was a regular occurrence, the baby’s brain would soon learn to associate other environments, such as the classroom, as a threat.  As a result, a young child at school may be constantly focused on detecting threat rather than learning new things.  However, babies’ brains are very flexible, they continue to develop after a child turns three, which many people are unaware of.  Therefore, a child can still be positively influenced in a positive environment, such as within the primary school.  When key pathways are established in childhood, especially as a baby, these are carried on throughout a child’s life and as a result, is why so much more attention is now given to individuals in their early childhood.  Children react to the environment that we give them to react to, therefore as primary practitioners, one of our most important roles involves creating a safe, happy and inclusive environment for all children within the classroom.  We can aim to build positive relationships with the children and act as a role model, positively influencing the pupils.  Due to gaining the pupil’s trust and creating strong relationships, it allows for a more harmonious and encouraging atmosphere within the classroom.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *