Child Development Media » History, Theory & Research

Human infants are born more neurologically incomplete than any other animal. Most brain growth occurs after birth with unprecedented growth occurring during the first few years of life.

In this documentary anthropologists from Cornell and Emory Universities and other experts share their findings on the subtle biochemical link between parental attentiveness and the proper development of a child’s brain regions that control responses to stress.

The program looks at studies on infant crying, feeding, holding/carrying, and sleep to determine babies biological needs and to define optimal care-giving that helps them learn to cope with stress early on.

Parents traditionally do what they believe is right or what is culturally sanctioned, but not necessarily what is best for their children. Recent laboratory research indicates that emotional neglect of children during their first few years of life can have long-term biochemical consequences.

The video follows a Mobile Crisis Team as they respond to families having trouble coping with the stress in their lives (Viewers please note: during these stressful scenes strong and offensive language is used). The program also investigates approaches to care-giving from the perspective of evolutionary biology and social science.

This program underscores the belief that how children cope with life is determined by their unique brain physiology molded by caregivers. The challenge is to build resilience in children, not vulnerability

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Format: DVD

Produced By: Erenberg, Noah

47 minutes