Peekaboo builds little brains

The experiences and interactions we share with children in the early years help build a healthy brain for a healthy future.  

While brain development continues through life, and positive changes can be made at any age, the early years period gives us the best opportunity to create a healthy foundation for a baby’s brain. 

Serve and return interactions help lay this foundation. These are the back-and-forth connections between babies and young children and the important adults in their life.  
 
Young children naturally reach out for interaction through babbling, facial expressions and gestures. When adults respond appropriately with eye contact, the same kind of vocalising and gesturing, neural connections are built and strengthened in the child’s brain that support the development of communication and social skills.  

For instance, when a child points at something they have seen – that’s a serve. And when you smile, nod your head or say something about it – that’s a return. By returning, you’re letting your child know they have been heard and understood which builds trust and security as well as important language connections in their brain.    

Not all serves and returns need words. A simple game of peekaboo helps your baby learn that things can disappear before returning – in this very simple, repetitive way, you are building your baby’s brain. And the best thing about serve and return is you don’t need anything else but you and your little one. 

Children learn through play, from their first weeks of life. They are learning everywhere, every day. When children have the time and space to play, they build physical, social and emotional skills they will take with them through life. And when adults are sensitive and responsive to a young child’s signals and needs, they will provide an environment rich in serve and return experiences. 

Through play, children thrive. 

First 5 Forever is all about creating opportunities for every child in every community to explore, learn and grow through free, playful activities at their library. 

Wherever you are … make the most everyday moments to play, engage curiosity, build wonder … and build little brains. 

For more information about how you can support your child’s health and wellbeing and to keep up with all the exciting news about First 5 Forever, subscribe to our free monthly tips or visit a First 5 Forever session at your local library. And remember, you’re never too young to be a member of the library – you can join your little one up from birth. 

References: 

Centre on the Developing Child Harvard University, A Guide to Serve and Return – How Your Interactions with Children Can Build Brains