This summer I've embarked on a new program of self education. I have (with moderate success) been trying to discipline myself to read more books that have educational value, as a nice addition to the fluff I normally read for entertainment and relaxation purposes. :) As might be expected, a number of the books I read have to do with parenting and education. So when my review group was looking for reviewers of a DVD about child brain development I jumped at the chance - this is right up my current ally of interest exploration!
The Family Hope Center, owned by Matthew and Carol Newell, is both a clinic in PA and a passionate group with a mission to provide hope and resources to parents of children with a wide range of neurological impairments. They have put together a video, called Understanding Child Brain Development, as an introduction to what they do and what they are about. I do not have children with developmental delays myself, but as mentioned above I'm a big fan of self education - and this is a fascinating topic.
The video is just over 2 hours long and it was filmed live when given as a workshop. There is a bit of a question and answer format, with the moderator being Andrew Pudewa from the Institute for Excellence in Writing. I like that you can see the audience and hear their participation at parts. This provides more interest than a front on presenter only format. The sound quality is great, which is always a big plus.
Most of the presentation is given by Matthew Newell. He is engaging and humorous (at points - this isn't really a funny topic, of course). The tone of the presentation is informational and upbeat. It is stressed that you CAN make a critical different in how your child develops and that the right therapy can make a big difference.
Matthew and Carol have personal experience with the topic as they have helped their own children overcome some serious handicaps. They describe treatment protocols and give you ideas on what you can do at home, for free, if you want to start there. Some key points I grabbed:
- Work smarter, not harder.
- Help kids through their struggle to become superb.
- Focus on what kids can do, and not what they can't. You need to figure out what in their brain is preventing their abilities from appropriately expressing.
- Correct stimulation can solve MANY neurological development problems.
A fair amount of the lecture focuses on babies. Did you know that 30% of a baby's birth weight is his brain? That's one big brain! Matthew Newell talks about how we move our babies from their car seats to their jumper to their playpen to their crib, and we don't give them the time or space to learn what their brains need to. First to crawl on their bellies, then to creep (on hands and knees) in a cross pattern. He talks about issues that rise up when babies skip these steps and just go from sitting to walking. I found it all quite fascinating, honestly!
If you have any interest in this topic for the price this is a cheap and informative video. And if you have friends or children that are struggling, I think they would find useful knowledge and steps to try from this DVD too.
To order the DVD you can call the Family Hope Center at 610-397-1737, or you can find Understanding Child Brain Development online from the IEW for $19. You can see an excerpt from the video at the IEW's website as well.
I found this DVD to be informative and enjoyable to watch. In particular the last 20 minutes of it provide practical and simple steps you can take to help your children's brains develop properly! Everything from avoiding microwave and computer usage to what to eat and establishing sleep schedules. Interesting food for thought, for sure.
You can find more reviews from The Schoolhouse Review crew here.
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