Children grow up in an environment of relationships. The quality of those relationships literally shapes the architecture of a child's developing brain. Strong, stable and nurturing relationships early in life help to build healthy social, emotional and cognitive functions in the brain. On the other hand, exposure to toxic stress, chemicals and problematic relationships early in life builds vulnerabilities into the brain's foundation.

In Memphis, too many children grow up in environments with high levels of toxic stress. More than half of all children, for example, live in families made vulnerable by economic insecurity.

RELATED CUCP BRIEFS

This policy brief explores environmental influences on cognitive development, and focuses on parenting and language development.

This brief examines social and emotional dimensions of brain development and their implications for school readiness.

Promoting Healthy Brain Development During the First Years

LINKS

Learn more about the architecture of childrens developing brains

Learn more about the influence of childhood stress on children's health

Learn more about the influence of toxic stress on children's developing brains

Learn more about the sources of toxic stress

How Early Experiences Influence Brain Development (A Zero to Three publication)

A wonderful introduction to the developing mind.

From Building Blocks to Birth

Current research-based information about the brain, early brain development, and its implications for children throughout the United States