In a fascinating TED Talk, What Do Babies Think?, child development psychologist Alison Gopnik points out an interesting fact about brain development: It’s for the birds.
Or at least the story starts there. She points out that across many animal species, “there’s a relationship between how long a childhood a species has and how big their brains are compared to their bodies, and how smart and flexible they are.” The example she shares is the crow, a bird with a childhood as long as two years and considered rather intelligent, and the domestic chicken, which matures in a matter of months and well…it’s not that bright. The disparity in childhood, she says, is the reason why “the crows end up on the cover of Science, and the chickens end up in the soup pot.”
With this information, it is ironic that there are still some who seem to believe that the faster you can move your child through childhood, the more advanced they’ll be.
Learning and knowledge are related to that childhood period. It takes time and a variety of experiences to fully develop a complex, flexible brain. There are no extra points for circumventing childhood.
That’s why I’m so passionate about protecting childhood and a proponent of Developmentally Appropriate Practice.
Will you join me?
Will you start where you are — your own home, your own classroom and do what you can to protect childhood? There are too many forces in play, trying to push childhood out as though it was a deficiency. A disability to overcome. Whether it’s the dramatic play corners disappearing from our early childhood classrooms or the too-sexy wardrobes being sold to little girls, there are too many voices saying childhood isn’t necessary. But the science of developmental psychology tells us it is.
We have to respect, protect, and savor childhood. It’s a gift we can only give our children once.
Information you may enjoy:
Alison Gopnik: What Do Babies Think? {TED Talks}
Regaining Childhood: Parenting a “Too Fast Too Soon” Generation {Dr. Michele Borba}
Age Does Matter… {NJC}
DAP: What Does it Mean {NJC}
Would You Like a Lift? More on Why Age Matters {NJC}
“We have to respect, protect, and savor childhood. It’s a gift we can only give our children once.” Yes. Thank you.
I love this, of course. I, too, used that Gopnik Ted Talk in a post, (http://rickackerly.com/2012/04/10/parents-and-teachers-building-empathy-in-children/) focusing on a different angle.
Welcome back from vacation?
Amanda just had a new baby a few months ago!
It’s been a mix! I had a baby at the beginning of the summer and have also had a family trip or two in the mix. I’m slowly getting back into a groove (though routines seem to change almost daily around here!) so there should be more new posts, but still a few reposts as I gradually get back to full speed. So flattered to have you reading!
Amanda, this is going in my top favorite posts. Sometimes I wonder about my approach to things – when I see so many doing something else. But you reminded me why I do what I do – it’s about them. Always should be. Thanks.
Thank you, Scott. That really means a lot to me! Thank you for what you do for children and for childhood!
Thanks for the post. It’s a challenge often to find the balance between setting boundaries for behavior (no running in the grocery store!) to letting them be a kid (it’s okay to run here, it’s a park, no really, it’s okay this time!). I want my children to have long, fun-filled childhoods but recognize that they are turning into mini-mes too soon. Does anyone else have a three year old who doesn’t want to play in the mud because they don’t want to get dirty? I am going to have to roll in the mud one day soon to let HIM know it’s okay!
Learning about boundaries is one of the tough parts of childhood — but also a big part of learning in that period. It sounds like you do a great job. And don’t fret too much about the mud — some children just have different sensitivities. Offer opportunities and reassure, maybe even give some tools so he can play without getting his hands dirty, but don’t stress. Enjoy it together!
I’m totally on the same page as you. I’m no rocket scientist but to me it’s obvious that forcing kids to grow up too quickly isn’t good for them. I understand that they can be ‘little’ friends who we want to be our mates, but at the heart they are still children. I have my 9 yr old asking me why friends (who are 5 and 6 yr olds) are allowed to watch M rated movies and he’s not. It’s hard to see him face what seems like injustice but I know that in the end I’m the one that’s being fair to him and he’ll benefit from it in the long run. Well that’s what I tell myself anyway!!
I’ll join you. Thank you, Amanda.
If there is one thing that I have learned from my growing years, it is that I grew up fast. Now, when I look back I see fragments of childhood, a little bit here and a little bit there. I cannot remember my childhood years. That is why I don’t want my future daughter to end up where I stand today. I am with you.
I agree with this sentiment, however, I also think that people often go off the other deep end and prevent children from developing independence and self-worth because they baby them. They figure childhood should be about having fun so they do everything for their children and don’t let them learn to do anything for themselves. They fret over how to keep a three year old from climbing out of their crib instead of realizing that a three year old shouldn’t be still sleeping in a crib (if they ever should have been, which is a topic for another day). So yes, lets not give our little girls sexy wardrobes, but certainly lets hand them an apron and let them help out around the house.
Good point, Elizabeth. There is a difference between developmentally appropriateness and indulgence. The pendulum swings both ways!
Hello, Just discovered your great blog. Fascinating research and couldn’t agree more on preserving childhood as long as possible. I have a toddler who enables me to reconnect with childhood and see the world in a new and different way. So much can be learned from our children.
I did a post on a very similar topic on my blog on education of taste French stlye, you should come visit some time : http://frenchfoodiebaby.blogspot.com/2012/07/be-somebody-have-cornish-game-hen.html
We will definitely join you! Thanks for this great reminder – written in such a clear compelling way 🙂 Anna
This is exactly the reason why I waited until my daughter was 4 years old before formal schooling! I wanted her to enjoy her childhood.
Thanks for writing this Amanda. Next time one of my mum friends ask (again) why I waited a year longer before sending my little one to school, I’ll simply pass your post along. 😀
Protect childhood!