Quotes of the day:
What we do today echoes to generations ahead. Bruce Perry
The brain is very sensitive to early experiences.
The health and creativity of a community is renewed each generation through its children.
The family, community, or society that understands and values its children thrives - the society that does not is destined to fail.
We [policy makers] are ignorant about children because we are not around children.
Our brains are starving for relationships. Our children are starved for relationships. The whole culture is touch deprived - relational deprived.
Bruce Perry says we have been given the gift of early childhood because by age 4, 90% of the brain is developed and the older we become the harder it is to recapture our potential. He says we cannot fly like birds, nor can we smell blood in the water as sharks do. However, thanks to the gift that biological rules have given our species: we can make memory better than any other animal.
We've invented racism and misogyny. [we have the choice to change it]
Every generation can make things better.
Children are humane because someone was humane to them.
Yes, indeed. I heard Perry speak yesterday, and was, once again, challenged and inspired by him to keep on keeping on with the work that I do. He refuels my commitment and dedication to creating environments that are compassionate, humane and respectful for all children everywhere.
It sounds like an inspiring few days Tamar.
And that quote: "Our brains are starving for relationships. Our children are starved for relationships. The whole culture is touch deprived ... relational deprived".
Yes, and yes again. How to rebuild this relationship capacity for the 21st Century is the question ....
Posted by: mary | March 20, 2006 at 08:26 AM
Yes, Mary, as early childhood educators we certainly have our work cut out for us - to ensure quality care, loving, bonding relationships that are respectful and humane for our youngest children. Hearing a person as intellectual and compassionate as Bruce Perry inspires me once again to get cracking!
Posted by: Tamar | March 20, 2006 at 10:38 AM