ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

This author's words, intentionally or not, almost suggest that there's a point at which it becomes too late to even try to help those who've had challenging or traumatic early years. Parents, early childhood professionals and those who support and fund early education need to understand how critical these years are. At the same time, I resist the notion that the door closes on brain development or social-emotional growth, especially if such a notion leads us to give up on anyone. Older children, teens and even adults have made amazing transformations at all ages and stages, and we continue to learn more and more about brain development and plasticity every day.

Perhaps the author only meant that there are gaps in development when a child is treated poorly and with overwhelming negativity. I didn't read the excerpt as a misstatement, but that positive interactions are essential for healthy development. Writers use the language of their field; maybe they were trying to write for lay readers.

Perhaps the author only meant that there are gaps in development when a child is treated poorly and with overwhelming negativity. I didn't read the excerpt as a misstatement, but that positive interactions are essential for healthy development. Writers use the language of their field; maybe they were trying to write for lay readers.

To state that children who have experienced extreme stress "have huge holes in their higher brain structures" is misleading. Please stick to developmental neuroscientists and endocrinologists when discussing the effects of stress on the brain. While I am all for peaceful nurturance, one doesn't need to misstate brain research to make clear that babies need nurturing adults or that having such adults is their birthright.