Serve and Return

After watching the three videos in the titled series

Three Core Concepts in Early Development

at http://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/three-core-concepts-in-early-development/, I have come to the following conclusion.
Although all experiences and interactions shape the person we become, the ones we have in early childhood are of extreme importance. These are the ones that help the brain develop and grow and prune off the connections we don't use. It is important to have enriching experiences to help all areas grow. To limit these not only stifles growth but can stop the brain from ever developing these healthy connections. Interacting with children in a positive way helps make these initial connections and continue to strengthen them over time. Talking to them right from birth helps with language, cognition and building relationships that will last their life time. To deny children emotional and physical support causes toxic stress on their developing brain and body. Short term effects can be hard on a child but can be mended over time. Long term effects or neglect and abuse are heart breaking and can never be fully healed. We can not help build the foundation of a strong house after the walls and windows are already in place. Small patches can be made over time but it is so important to help children right from the start. We, as teachers, have to be the contractors that help the parents build their children to their full potential. They are the future of our society and getting it right from the beginning is so much easier and fulfilling than trying to fix it later.