As we approach another Mother’s Day, it seemed like a good opportunity to reflect on research findings that suggest our understanding of infant development cannot be separated from the impact of the child’s interactions with the primary caretaker. This “transactional model” views development of our brains as initially driven by genetically programmed processes that are then modified by exposure to environmental experiences. These experiences can either facilitate or inhibit the expression of the developing child’s potential.
Because
human beings are born almost completely dependent upon others, the infant’s emerging
social, psychological and biological capacities must be understood within the
context of the mother-child interactional relationship. The early sensory
experiences of a mother looking into her infant’s eyes, touching skin to skin, her scent and voice are stimulating patterned neuronal activity in the
infant’s rapidly developing brain. The quantity, quality and rhythms of these
sensory experiences activate temporary mental states in the infant. When
certain experiences occur with enough repetition the probability of that
pattern of activation will be increased and the temporary state becomes a consistent
trait. Those early associated sensory experiences become organized into our
core sense of self, others and the world. They influence whether the child sees
himself or herself as a competent, capable small person who is excited about
exploring a benevolent world as opposed to an inadequate, damaged individual
who struggles to feel safe in a dangerous world. Because our brains are in an incredible growth
spurt starting from the third trimester of pregnancy and continuing into the third
year of life, early experiences have a disproportionate impact throughout a
child’s life.
Whether
or not an expectant mother is well-supported, well-nourished and receiving good
medical care can have a profound impact on the developing child. Pregnant women
who are suffering from mental or physical illness, are in unsafe or
unsupportive relationships, or are too young or developmentally immature to
care for their child will be greatly challenged in their efforts to create a
growth facilitative environment. Children start off with equal genetic
capacities, but not all have the exposure to experiences that allow them to
express that potential.
A culture’s commitment to child protection
cannot be separated from the values, policies and practices created to protect
and care for mothers. Dr. Bruce Perry
repetitively reminds us that “the success of any society depends upon the
health and well being of its children.”
We can never have healthy and well-developed children without healthy
and well-cared for mothers.
Your comments and questions are welcome. Please feel free to post below or to contact me directly at jerry.yager@denvercac.org
