When classifying brain abnormalities, know that we are generally referring to poor development of the brain’s neuroplasticity. In a nutshell, a brain’s plasticity contributes to healthy brain growth in terms of learning, memory and its recovery from damage. While the brain can be considered “plastic” even into adulthood, children in their developmental years tend to be most susceptible to external influences, according to Brain Science Brunei trainers.
Hence in this article, we’ll be looking at how common habits can lead to poor brain development amongst children. From there, we’ll be able to see just how parents can play their part in making sure that their children can grow healthily.
Discovering the factors of brain abnormalities
As the field of neurosciences continue to evolve and expand, the more accurate we can pinpoint the root causes of these abnormalities. Although not as clear-cut, here are a few common lifestyle mistakes that we all might be guilty off from time to time.
1. Having poor quality of nutritional intake
Getting too much intake of heavy metals, sugary foods or even excessive carbohydrates can cause the brain to slow down. In other words, the electric pulses are not being fired as efficiently as it can, causing a deterioration of its functionalities over time.
What can we do about it? Well first off, we should make sure that our children eats a healthy and balanced diet. Not only does it prevent the obvious problem of being overweight or obese, it also can help boost the child’s brain functions as they grow up. In the case of infant development during pregnancies, mothers are highly encouraged to eat nutritious and balanced diet for a healthy baby brain.
2. Lacking in adequate sleep
As we all have been told plenty of times before, our brain requires sleep to recover! Apart from the usual culprit of sleeping late, the usage of mobile phones in bed also contributes heavily to irregular sleep patterns. Absorbing the blue light given off from our phone screen causes the brain to be active at the wrong time (i.e. before bed). This forces the brain to be extra active to cope with the confusion caused by the lighted screens. Eventually the brain haywires – damaging the neural connections and its development along the way!
What can we do about it? I’ve talked about previously on how to get a good night’s sleep, so I’ll just reference the article here. Basically limiting screen time before bed will help regulate children’s sleeping schedule that ensures them a healthy dose of a night’s sleep!
3. Being subjected to constant emotional and environmental stress
A high stress environment can cause brain activities to spike (in the amygdala), inversely damaging the process of taking in information properly. This in turns causes poor performance in brain activity. Similarly, a person clinically diagnosed with depression shows similar brain activities, which suggests another potent link towards abnormal brain development. This can be a difficult subject to address as sometimes it is inevitable, however, where ever possible, we can all try to control both our emotions and environment to the best of our abilities.
What can we do about it? It is important for children to understand from a young age that school is a place for learning. While exams and grades are important to benchmark their progress, it shouldn’t be the end goal itself. Similarly, having a good home environment where there are less shouting, negativity and yelling will lead to better children’s development overall!
Also, if you’re a smoker, then you may want to consider quitting while you still have the chance. Or at least do so responsibly!
4. Spending too much time on those dreaded devices!
A worrying growing trend happening in the younger generation would be the early adoption of mobile devices at a young age. Not only does this exposes them to excessive blue light, it also acts as a “reward” replacement for good behavior – “here, play some games on this iPad while mom and dad get some rest, that’s a good kid!” – as the scenario usually goes. This cycle of reinforcement learning loops on itself which can hinder the healthy development of the child’s brain as they grow.
What can we do about it? In a new generation where phone devices are just as accessible as food, it’s important that we as parents still regulate their daily intake of on-screen entertainment. Instead, find better ways of spending time the so-called “old fashioned way”. In my opinion, Etch-A-Sketch toys can still provide the same amount of variable entertainment with some form of educational layer too.
Let's all be a role models
As responsible adults, parents and guardians, it is crucial for us to reflect on our own actions especially when children follows the “monkey see, monkey do” mentality. If they see us eating unhealthy food, then they too will grow up thinking that it’s normal – and vice versa!
We have a strong influence in the lives of our children, more so than we ever thought. Whether we shape them in ways that we can be proud off in the future is entirely up to us. Mistakes can be corrected, but bad habits can take a little while longer. As long as you remember that you’re living well for the sake of your children, I can guarantee that you can kick these habits out the window 😁.