12 tips for raising a healthy child Babies are born with
millions of neurons that sends messages across the brain. These
neurons are "wired" by forming conncections -- synapses. Genes
have a role in this brain development of the early years, but it
is also strongly influenced by the environment. Positive
interactions with nurturing caregivers profoundly stimulate
young brains. As children get older, pruning begins. Synapses
not being used, or connections not made, will be eliminated --
the "use it or lose it" rule. Connections made repeatedly in the
early years stay and become stronger. What does all this really
mean? Simple: Babies' brains need stimulation to develop their
full potential.The best way to accomplish this is through human
interactions. Your voice, your attentiveness, your gentle touch.
The kind of care a child receives plays a big role in how the
brain chooses to wire itself. Success By 6, a national
initiative of United Way of America and the nation's largest
network of early childhood coaliti