Cathy's Chat: Exploring "The Whole Brain Child"

Introduction

I am currently reading "The Whole Brain Child" in search of new ways to help our children develop skills for a productive life. The workings of the brain are fascinating to me, especially considering, as the Bible says, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. In their book, "The Whole Brain Child," Daniel J. Siegel, MD, and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D., present 12 strategies for nurturing and growing a child's mind. This book offers valuable insights into how a child's brain functions and encourages parents to focus on their own brain development while also supporting their child's. I highly recommend it for your enjoyment.

Learning and Sharing

Over the next several weeks, I will be sharing some of the knowledge I am gaining about the child's brain and how it works. The first topic is integration.

Topic One: Integration

The left side of the brain is responsible for logical thinking and decision-making, while the right side is responsible for emotional reasoning. There is also what I call the "forever brain" or "old brain," which deals with instinctual survival decisions. Additionally, the mammal brain enables us to make connections with others.

It is essential to recognize that the cognitive functions of the brain do not fully mature until a person reaches around 24 to 25 years of age. This might sound surprising, but it explains a lotchildren'sldren’s behavior: the right side of the brain is fully active long before the logical left side reaches maturity.

What does this mean in everyday life? For examplewe'ren we’re in the grocery store and our three-year-old starts screaming and having an emotional breakdown, our instinct is to try to reason with them. However, reasoning does not work because their logical left brain is not yet developed, especially when their emotional brain is in control. Instead, addressing their emotions first can help calm the situation. By connecting with their emotional state, we can support the right side of the brain work in conjunction with the left side.

Integration is the process of coordinating and linking the different parts of the brain so they can work together in harmonchild'schild’s brain is constantly changing or being wired and rewired. Their experiences shape this rewiring. God has provided the foundational structure, and as we nurture and grow ourselves, our child will grow. It is in everyday situations that we influence how the brain grows towards full integration.

Being present with our child is one of the most important strategies we can have to promote full brain development.

When we make a conscious effort to listen, validate feelings, and show empathy, we help our children feel safe and understood. This secure connection lays the groundwork for their brains to integrate information from both the logical and emotional sides. Small, everyday moments—like sharing a hug, having a meaningful conversation, or simply being attentive—can have a profound impact on their development and overall well-being.

Even the youngest baby needs validation. You can give your validation by nurturing when they cry, talking gently to them, and telling them what you are doing as you dress them and change them.

Children learn best when they feel connected and supported by their caregivers. By modeling calm behavior and offering reassurance, we help them build trust in themselves and in us. Over time, these positive interactions not only foster emotional intelligence but also strengthbrain'sbrain’s ability to manage stress and solve problems effectively.