Invisible Developments

In the first 2 years, rapid growth is obvious in all three domains—body, mind, and social relationships. Invisible developments are even more striking (rapid brain growth for one). Parents and cultures are pivotal to this process, which makes this biosocial—not merely biological—development. Nurture always interacts with nature. Adults provide the nurture that enables infant growth, with specifics that change daily because infants change daily. Early brain growth is rapid and reflects experience (by age 2 the brain already weight three-fourths of what it will weigh in adulthood). This means that caressing a newborn, talking to a newborn or infant, and showing affection may be essential to develop that person’s full potential. If such experiences are missing from the early weeks and months, that is tragic, early child neglect can reverberate throughout life.

ONE OF THE OPTIONS..

Option 1

Some parents hesitate to immunize their children because they think that vaccines may cause autism, even though the author of the study has withdrawn the paper after charges of scientific fraud were brought against his findings. Vaccines only work if a high enough proportion of the population is vaccinated. Parents who opt not to vaccinate their children are relying on herd immunity–on the fact that others are vaccinating. What do you think about vaccines, are they necessary or should they be optional? Make sure you cite a reference to support your argument.

Option 2

In this country many babies and children sleep in their own rooms and in their own beds every night. In many other cultures infants sleep in the same room or the same bed as their moms or caregivers, co-sleeping is considered the norm and they are shocked that infants are put to bed alone. What is your experience or beliefs about co-sleeping? What research can you find to support your opinion? Cite your source.