SOCIAL PRACTICES AND CULTURAL BELIEFS OF MODERN LIFE ARE PREVENTING HEALTHY BRAIN IN CHILDREN

According to an interdisciplinary body of research presented at a symposium at the University of Notre Dame, old prectices such as:
                                                           
                                  - isolation of infants in their own rooms

                                  - belief that responding too quickly to a fussy baby will 'spoil' it

and new ones such as:

                                - helding babies much time in carriers, car seats  and strollers

                                - low rate of breast-feeding

are dangerous for the devolopment of brain and physical health.


A new research shows that
                               
                                - breast-feeding infants

                                - responsiveness to crying

                                - constant touch

                                - having several adult caregivers

are some of the old practices tha t can develop positively both brain and physical health.


According to recent studies, the development of conscience is influenced by responding to a baby's needs (not letting a baby 'cry it out'); stress reactivity, impulse control and empathy are affected by positive touch; social capacities and aggression are stimulated by free playing in nature. IQ, ego resiliencce and empathy are predicted by a set of supportive caregivers (beyond the mother alone).


Negative attitudes in young children or in college student

                                - anxiety an depression

                                - aggressive behaviour and deliquency

                                - decreasing empathy


 are shown in research, even though whether they are the corollary to modern practices or the result of other force is not known.