Family violence and trauma has long-term implications for the brain development of children and young people who witness it, says The Brainwave Trust.

 

 


 

Paediatrician and Brainwave trustee Dr Robin Fancourt says recent neuroscience research has proven that early experiences have a far more decisive and lasting role than was ever previously imagined.

“The first three years of life last forever,” she says. “At birth the baby’s brain is only 15% developed. Most of a baby’s brain development actually occurs after the birth – in the first three years of life. It is the child’s experiences during these years that enable the brain to grow.”

The trust now has a team trained to take this message into the community. They present multi-media resources which explain how children can reach their full potential. 

Working with groups such as Plunket, Barnardos, the Police, Cyfs and educational institutions, they spread information about the importance of the first three years.

Trustees and staff include doctors, teachers, academic and business professionals who volunteer their time to spread the message about amazing new findings in brain research. That research emphasises the importance of early experiences on infant brain development.

“In particular, it is relationally-rich experience which provides children with the ‘brain-food’ they need to grow into happy, secure and well-functioning adults,” Robin says.  “Poor experiences during this time can have lasting negative effects on a child’s brain…and who they become.”

Brainwave  also provides mothers of newborn babies with a Cuddlewrap which has, in four languages, four key messages:

I love it when you cuddle me

I love it when you talk to me

I love it when you sing to me

I love it when you smile at me

Do you know you’re building my brain when you do this?

The pack includes a booklet explaining how a baby’s brain develops and what parents can do to stimulate growth. Robin says the wrap is often the only thing a new mother has to take her baby home in.                      

  • www.brainwave.org.nz
  • In September 2006 ASBCT granted the Brainwave Trust $65,085 for operating support and training.