The Baby's Brain is Interested in Surviving

Many well-meaning moms and dads think their child�s brain is interested in learning. That is not accurate. The brain is not interested in learning. The brain is interested in�surviving.�Every ability in our intellectual tool kit was engineered to escape extinction. Learning exists only to serve the requirements of this primal goal. It is a happy coincidence that our intellectual tools can do double duty in the classroom, conferring on us the ability to create spreadsheets and speak French. But that�s not the brain�s day job. That is an incidental byproduct of a much deeper force: the gnawing, clawing desire to live to the next day. We do not survive so that we can learn. We learn so that we can survive.

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This overarching goal predicts many things, and here�s the most important: If you want a well-educated child, you must create an environment of safety. When the brain�s safety needs are met, it will allow its neurons to moonlight in algebra classes. When safety needs are not met, algebra goes out the window. Roosevelt�s dad held him first, which made his son feel safe, which meant the future president could luxuriate in geography.

Notes:

This is an important thing to remember when trying to teach children: first provide them a safe environment.

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Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five

Books, Brochures, and Chapters>Book: Medina , John (2010-10-12), Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five, Pear Press, Retrieved on 2011-07-27

Folksonomies: parenting pregnancy babies child development