The limbic system and how it is important in your child's development and academic success

The three parts of the brain

The oldest and smallest part of the brain is the reptilian brain. It is the most primitive part; it regulates breathing and heart rate.

People in comas only have this part of the brain functioning. It is called the reptilian brain because a reptile's brain is very similar, as are birds and amphibians.

More complex animals have a more developed brain. The brains of all mammals, except humans, is made up of the reptilian brain and the layer surrounding it called the limbic brain or system. The limbic brain or system is the emotional center of the brain.

The human brain is the most complex of all. It contains the first two layers as well as the larger neocortex. The neocortex is the part of the brain where the ability to use languages exists. It is the area we use when we are engaged in abstract thought and carrying out intricate and detailed tasks. It is what sets us above all other species. Primates also have this part, only not nearly as developed.

The limbic system

A child's limbic system is often overlooked in discussions of child development. This is a gross oversight. Part of the problem is that the limbic part of the brain is not easy to pinpoint or understand from a scientific point of view. It is not as concrete for us to talk about or look at as the circulatory or respiratory systems. We've known for years that there is no replacement for the bonding between a parent and their child. This early time in an infant's development is crucial to his overall well being and development. In the 1980's when reporters brought back news stories of Russian orphanages, we began to realize that this early time in a child's development was more crucial than previously thought. Children raised in orphanages where they received little human contact and stimulation were developmentally way behind children who were raised by loving caregivers who had time to spend one on one with their child. At the time, scientists didn't know exactly why this was. Today however, research has led scientists to believe that the limbic brain and its stimulation is crucial to positive development in children.

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