The Brain & Stages of Development in a Child

The brain is constantly developing throughout a lifespan; however, the most crucial parts to brain development occur during childhood, and prior to becoming an adult. This development lays the groundwork for how the brain will function later in life. Healthy brain development is not just based on genetics and physical characteristics, but it is also based largely on our experiences. Certain experiences during particular stages help the brain to develop appropriately.

Infancy (0 to 2 years old)

• The most critical time of development for children begins right at birth. Babies need visual stimuli early on: different shapes and colors to help them learn to see. Babies also need audial stimulation at this time to help their hearing develop. Language development is crucial in the first few years of life and children need to hear people talk, sing or read to them on a regular basis. Emotional attachment also plays a large role early on in a child's life and it is important for him to develop healthy attachments to caregivers. Motor skills are also starting to develop at this time. The entire brain begins to wire itself based on different experiences that a child goes through and may set the path for later development.

Toddlers (2 to 4 years old)

• Language skills are still developing during this stage, which help children to be able to interact socially. Children become more mobile at this time, while their motor skills are becoming much more defined and they have more control over their bodies. The brain is continuing to establish connections and early childhood experiences are important in how these connections develop. Memory is also becoming more functional and mature during this stage, which aids the child in learning.

Childhood (5 to 11 years old)

• During this stage of development the child is still fine-tuning motor skills and the brain is learning how to deal with different emotions. Pruning of the neurons happens during this time. This pruning is because the brain has been building new connections since birth, and now it is eliminating those connections that are the least used. The pruning of the brain connections is also helpful in categorizing information in the brain for later recall and can aid in retention of new information.

Adolescence (12 to 17 years old)

• During adolescence the brain begins its final stages of maturation and is continuing rapid development. The areas of the brain that are responsible for reasoning, advanced thought and impulse control are developing. Adolescents make many of their decisions based on emotional response because the frontal lobe of the brain has not fully developed yet.