Six Truths About the "Slow" Brain

Gloria De Gaetano

by Gloria DeGaetano
Founder, Parent Coaching Institute

"Things that come easily don't last long. (long ago)…it took forty years to make a porcelain bowl, and now a hundred a day pour out of modern-day kilns

Which is worth more?

A chick fresh out of the egg pecks its own food, While an infant remains helpless for many years.

The chick never raises its gaze from the ground, While the child can find stars and galaxies inside."

—Saadi

Truth #1: The Slow Brain is the Cerebral Cortex

The cerebral cortex is the thinking function of the human brain. Thinking is slow. The cerebral cortex is slow. Problem solving takes time. Children need slow activities in order to grow the brain's thinking function.

Truth # 2: The Cerebral Cortex Must Be In Charge

There is a reason the cortex is the largest portion of the brain and takes the longest to develop. It is meant to be in charge. If slow activities are deprived during child and adolescent development, it is more difficult for the cortex to be in charge of the brain.

Truth # 3: The Slow Brain is the Path to Self-Identity

Developing an interior life means nourishing the cerebral cortex. Introspection, reflection, and inner speech are slow brain activities necessary for learning about oneself.

Truth # 4: The Slow Brain is the Path to Self-Direction

Children who enjoy slow activities will be more self-directed, able to play by themselves, do homework by themselves, and persevere to an outcome when faced with difficult situations.

Truth # 5: The Slow Brain is the Path to Self-Regulation

Slow activities give children time to learn how to respond rather than react. The slow brain needs slow activities to provide the correct data information so children learn self-calming techniques, reducing angry outbursts and frustration.

Truth # 6: Parental Love Unlocks the Slow Brain

The parent-child emotional bond is the key ingredient for helping the slow brain grow. Your attention and communication support the optimal development of your child's cerebral cortex and is key in growing children into self-actualized adults.


Copyright © 2010 Gloria DeGaetano, all rights reserved.