#parenting #child_psychology #child_development #brain_development #neurosience #english 🧠 **Key Idea:** The brain's physical structure is **not fixed**—it is **elastic** and continuously shaped by experiences. 🔬 **How This Works:** - **Neurons (Brain Cells)** → Fire when a new experience happens, forming new **connections** with other neurons. - **Neuroplasticity** → The brain rewires itself based on **learning, habits, and repeated experiences**. - **Mental Chemistry** → The structure and function of the brain **change over time** based on exposure to different experiences. 💡 **Insight:** - Every experience **physically shapes** the brain, reinforcing **useful neural pathways** while pruning unused ones. - Parents, educators, and caregivers can **intentionally shape brain development** by exposing children to **positive learning environments** and **emotionally supportive experiences**. 📖 **Source:** - Derived from *The Whole-Brain Child* → [[The Whole-Brain Child]] 🔗 **Related Notes:** - [[ENG - Integration Helps Different Parts of the Brain Work Together]] - [[ENG - Children Need Both Horizontal and Vertical Brain Integration]] - [[ENG - The Brain Functions Like Multiple Personalities with Different Roles]] - [[Emotional Regulation in Children]]