Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/CEVbxm64OJ0

 

When adults enjoy play with infants, a bi-directional neural bond forms that creates an intensely rich interaction.  Neuroscientists at Princeton University explored this phenomenon by studying 18 children 9 to 15 months of age.

 

As the babies interacted with adults sharing toys, rhymes, and stories, their brain waves were recorded.   Child-adult brain linkage only occurred during face-to-face engagement, and the nature of coupling was surprising.  The babies’ pre-frontal executive zones were surprisingly active at a young age and led as well as followed the adult signals in dynamic ways.

 

To give your baby the proper start, put down your phone and focus on the interaction.  It’ll be good for you both.

 

Elise A. Piazza, Liat Hasenfratz, Uri Hasson, Casey Lew-Williams. Infant and Adult Brains Are Coupled to the Dynamics of Natural Communication. Psychological Science, 2019; 095679761987869 DOI: 10.1177/0956797619878698

 

#babies #parenting #communication