“Brain Matters,” a documentary that helps kids and grandkids thrive

We all want the best for our kids, right?

Whether you’re the parent of a baby or toddler (more women are having babies in their 40’s and even 50’s now), or the grandparent, there’s a new release documentary that can help your baby or toddler thrive. 

It turns out that IQ, genetics, education and even financial and social standing don’t play the most important part in children’s development.

Having learning experiences that promote brain development matter the most.

Brain Matters

That’s the premise of Spanish-American film-maker Carlota Nelson’s documentary, “Brain Matters,” now available for free on YouTube and select screenings the world over. 

Since June 2019, the film has received strong endorsement from international scientific and educational communities, combined with growing accolades from private screenings.

Public and private sectors alike have embraced Brain Matters as a landmark documentary and it is ready to be shared with the world. 

Film producers are linking the free release to a broader international Early Child Development (ECD) initiative, petitioning global leaders through a change.org campaign to turn their promises into real action, and have it be inclusive of all children and all parents and caregivers, regardless of employment, race, culture or socioeconomic status.

The importance of putting the first years first

Ensuring access to high quality early childhood development is one of the most effective policy tools countries can employ to help break the global cycle of poverty and inequality, key factors linked to many of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Global leaders have recognized the need to invest in the early years, but many are still falling short on delivering the funding and fostering a collective movement to bring about lasting improvement. 

When you fully grasp that you can positively impact your child or grandchild’s potential before he or she goes to school, you are equipped to help the children in your life thrive.

Through interviews conducted with researchers, scientists, educators and families, the documentary addresses the importance of taking advantage of the “miracle years,” when children’s brains are the most malleable.

The great news for parents and grandparents is that we don’t have to take our baby or grandbaby to expensive daycares or toddler camps to boost his or her intelligence.

What we can do to positively impact our child’s future

We can provide a host of experiences that will set them up for future success.

According to “Brain Matters,” there are four basic things we can do to positively impact our child’s future:

• Play with him or her daily.

• Establish a meaningful relationship with him or her.

• Talk to him from birth, as you go about your day.

• Provide proper nutrition, as that will contribute to adequate brain development. 

To get the full story, we encourage you to watch and then share the documentary with other parents, grandparents and educators. 

“Brain Matters shows how critical the first years of life are and how they help define who we become,” said film director Carlota Nelson.

“These exciting findings should encourage us to rethink how we are raising and educating our children so they can all benefit from the best start in life that they deserve.”