{"id":556,"date":"2026-03-26T09:42:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T09:42:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost:8080\/?page_id=556"},"modified":"2026-04-01T09:42:30","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T08:42:30","slug":"brain-development","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/?page_id=556","title":{"rendered":"Brain Development"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-container-core-group-is-layout-a77db08e wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>?Your child\u2019s brain grows faster from pregnancy to early primary school than at any other time in life. Experiences, relationships, play, and learning shape how the brain develops\u2014laying foundations for health, learning, behaviour, and wellbeing throughout life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teenagers\u2019 brains are still under construction \u2014 especially the parts responsible for planning, decision\u2011making, and managing emotions. This explains why teens can be mature one moment and impulsive the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/S9MyTFbpOGE?si=YtMh000OOdP1eNy2&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:200px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/03\/19173237\/books-1673578_1280-300x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"29\" height=\"29\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/03\/19173237\/books-1673578_1280-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/03\/19173237\/books-1673578_1280-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/03\/19173237\/books-1673578_1280.png 500w\">Helpful Lealfets<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/a%20guide%20for%20parents%20of%20%20neurodivergent%20children\/\">A guide for parents of neurodivergent children<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/03\/19173400\/Anxiety-Parent-Guide.docx\">Anxiety-Parent-Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.glowscotland.org.uk\/ea\/public\/parentalmentalhealthsite\/uploads\/sites\/20847\/2026\/03\/19172854\/Teenage-behaviour-and-changes-in-the-teenager-brain.docx\">Teenage behaviour and changes in the teenager brain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>?How parents can support early brain development?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Talk, sing, and read with your child daily.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide lots of play opportunities\u2014messy play, outdoor play, imaginative play.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Build routines that help your child feel safe and connected.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Respond warmly to your child\u2019s cues and emotions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/shutterstock_2622641051-300x169-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-562\" style=\"width:521px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"wp-block-heading is-style-default\">?&nbsp;<strong>Nursery \/ Early Years (0\u20135)<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n<p>?&nbsp;What\u2019s happening in the brain?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Rapid growth of brain (neural) connections\u2014millions formed every second.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Strong influence of responsive caregiving and interactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Play builds thought, language, motor, and emotional skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiences strongly influence later health, learning, and behaviour.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:25px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23441af8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>?&nbsp;Suggested clips<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hMyDFYSkZSU?si=qYg4m9I5kzEE3zo1&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aISXCw0Pi94?si=xS8DipARGJrVo946&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/j2DaerplHgk?si=F_nUpOofyCWlu3-w&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong>?Primary School (5\u201312)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>?&nbsp;What\u2019s happening in the brain?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Growth in areas responsible for memory, attention, and problem\u2011solving.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increasing ability to control (regulate) emotions and behaviour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Play, reading, and structured learning strengthen cognitive pathways.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>?How parents can support early brain development?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&nbsp;Encourage reading for pleasure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support curiosity\u2014ask questions, explore nature, build things together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Provide predictable routines for sleep, homework and screen time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help children talk about feelings and develop coping strategies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:49px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23441af8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>?&nbsp;Suggested clips<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/6ROhDCFaUw4?si=Usuxb-oTLUvRg6YJ&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2xeDcPBD5Fk?si=Q5h1uMjLEAuEkZU6&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4Ademd1m_qI?si=NI8r3nVx_2NvUQY2&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23441af8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secondary<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>?&nbsp;What\u2019s happening in the brain?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sleep, stress, and environment strongly influence learning and wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Major development in the prefrontal cortex (decision\u2011making, planning, impulse control).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heightened emotional responses due to earlier\u2011developing limbic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teens seek independence, identity, and peer connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>?&nbsp;How parents can support teenage brain development<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Encourage good sleep habits\u2014teens need 8\u201310 hours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Support independence while maintaining boundaries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Talk openly about emotions, friendships, and online life.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Promote physical activity and balanced routines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help them break tasks into manageable steps\u2014this supports executive function.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-content-justification-center is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-23441af8 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p>?&nbsp;Suggested clips.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kvk4sqNPa4M?si=49bCfClUudLXbBFf&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/P629TojpvDU?si=lYkHZwFquBd1A9TV&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-grid wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ce41be04 wp-block-group-is-layout-grid\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"100%\" height=\"250%\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/dISmdb5zfiQ?si=cjV3n2UT7qPuFKTc&amp;controls=0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:225px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>?Your child\u2019s brain grows faster from pregnancy to early primary school than at any other time in life. Experiences, relationships, play, and learning shape how the brain develops\u2014laying foundations for health, learning, behaviour, and wellbeing throughout life. Teenagers\u2019 brains are still under construction \u2014 especially the parts responsible for planning, decision\u2011making, and managing emotions. This [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-556","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/556","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=556"}],"version-history":[{"count":63,"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/556\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":933,"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/556\/revisions\/933"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mhtest.east-ayrshire.org.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=556"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}