Before encountering Dr. Healy's books, I had not understood that neural development occurs along pathways that are used. Seems simple, right? But, oh, the implications for learning and interacting with our world!
This week, Dr. Travis Bradbury published a new article, "How Complaining Rewires Your Brain for Negativity," that took me right back to Dr. Jane Healy's premise. Our brains are constantly forming new neural pathways, and those pathways expand and grow thicker along the routes that are used more frequently. The consequences of that fact extend far beyond childhood! Frankly, this article is going to be a "read aloud & discuss" at our dinner table tonight!
The article - and Dr. Healy's books - contain powerful information! No wonder bad habits, once formed, are so difficult to break. Yet, how encouraging - understanding this physical process could be the first step to creating positive change in adults. Understanding how learning occurs as a physical process may change some of the ways we encourage our children to interact with the world around them, both in academic study and in life.
I encourage you to read the article by Dr. Bradbury as a starting point. Then, if you're curious, pick up a Dr. Healy book. She provides parents with information that is both enlightening and empowering. For those of us interested in how children learn, it is intriguing reading!
Not all Rigor is Mortis!