Brain Development of Children From 0 Until 12 Years Old

Brain development of children from 0 until 12 years old
The brain starts to grow and develop since the baby is still in the womb, exactly after the age of 8 weeks of pregnancy. The central nervous system or brain is the organ that was first formed. It initially begins with the formation of a neural plate around the 16th day of pregnancy. Then, this neural plate rolls up into a neural tube on the 22nd day. Then, begin to produce nerve cells.

Well, on the 35th day of pregnancy or around the fifth week, begin to see the embryo of the big brain at the end of the nerve tube. Next, the brain stem, the cerebellum and other parts develop. At eight weeks' gestation, there was an unusually fast production of nerve cells, roughly 250,000 per second. Growth and development of the brain is also very fast, especially starting in the third trimester, approximately 25 weeks of pregnancy until children aged 2 years.

The process of brain development of a person, 90% occur in the first 5 years of life. This means that toddlerhood becomes very important for brain development.

The process of brain development in each phase is influenced by important factors, which include; daily experience, received responses, nutritional intake, activity and genetic factors. Let's study the stages of brain development, so as to make sure it goes well.

Fetus until 5 years
In the first five years of this little boy's life, his brain development phase is divided into two stages:

0 - + 10 months (Fetus)
At this time parts of the brain begin to form, neurons (nerve cells) begin to grow. This is the most important period in the process of brain development of children because it will form more than 100 billion cells of nerve cells / neurons. In order for this development process to take place optimally, pregnant mothers need to regulate lifestyle during pregnancy. In addition to being required to stay away from cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and avoid ingredients that contain heavy metals, because they can interfere with fetal brain growth; pregnant women are also advised to remain relaxed (not experiencing stress), eat enough essential fatty acids such as AA, DHA, Folic Acid, vitamins B6 and B12. The mothers are also expected to stimulate the process of fetal brain formation with various sensations of touch, and sound.


Born until 6 years
After birth, the brain's developmental phase is the formation of connections between billions of nerve cells that have been formed and the maturation function of parts of the brain used to control body movement, thinking, and perceiving. The most developed part of the brain in this phase is Frontal Lobes. This part of the brain develops emotion, closeness, planning process, and memory. The child's own recognition and sense of well-being is also growing rapidly during this time, while everyday experiences will create emotional comfort.

By the age of 6, the weight of the child's brain has reached 95% of the adult brain's weight and the process of maturation of brain function in this flowering period requires considerable amount of energy compared to other periods.

At the time of maturation of this brain function, the important thing is prepared is a good intake of nutrients and a conducive environment to stimulate the brain to work optimally. Essential nutrients for maturation of brain function are essential fatty acids such as AA, DHA and EPA, amino acids such as L-Glutamic acid and also multivitamins such as Vitamin B complex, Vit B12 and folic acid. Give the child various opportunities, and respond to him with affection. Conversely, negative or abusive treatment will trigger the development of unstable emotions in the future.

School age
The process of brain development in school age continues and is actually part of the process of development to adulthood (productive age, ready to work)

7 until 12 years
At this stage the relationship between the nerves, or known as the 'gray matter' is the process of connecting parts of the brain continues and reinforced. The repetition of stimulation will strengthen the already established relationships. Fatty tissue that envelopes nerve cells or often referred to as 'white matter' increases, resulting in an acceleration of signal delivery which means the brain works very well to control the body system, and the relationship between nerve cells becomes stable. At this stage, the most recent part reaches maturity is the Prefrontal cortex. This part of the brain functions to control movements, as well as decision-making. No wonder if many teens look hard to control their bodies. Tends to move fast, or otherwise clumsily moves.

At this age, parents should stimulate the child to be able to control gestures. The trick is to ask him to exercise. Generally sports movements have a specific purpose that can stimulate children to move their body, so trained and directed.

Indeed the phase of development of this age lasts until someone reaches the age of 22 years. At that age, the brain will achieve the best performance, in function and response.

Consider this developmental phase, and provide the best nutrition and stimulation for your baby's brain and function to grow optimally. that's information about the stages of brain development in children starting from the age of 0 to 12 years should you note, so that your child becomes smart and healthy.
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