How important is the first 3 years of your life?

Answer 1

No more important that the last 3

All our years are important because what we didn't learn before we were 3 we can learn before we die.

Answer 2

I know that in terms of your development those are the most important years with all the learning and hardwiring stuff going on but I know so many people with memories from that period that seem to help shape them as a person and I feel cheated. I had meningitis when I was 3 and it wiped out all my memories from before that time and I get quite jealous when others talk about theirs!

Answer 3

The first five years of our lives are the most formative we have. So the first three? They are very important. Very important.

Answer 4

In so far as development is concerned, very. The brain forms connections needed for language, motor skills, developing relationships, memory, well everything really. The body's immune system is still forming. Hearing and sight finish forming as a baby.

I remember watching something on Discovery or some channel that addressed these issues. There were stories of children who grew up "wild" - no human contact, and they mostly never developed language skills or the ability to interact.

Answer 5

My granddaughter is three and a half years old. Her Mummy has been very lucky and has been able to be at home for her which has given her a secure and loving environment. She is already aware of the ABC and can recognise her numbers. She likes learning especially when she can see an outcome but all children are different and some will do better at different times.

Answer 6

Very important. If you die during those, you won't have any more to work with.

The jury is still out on what you should DO during those years. Some babies learn faster than others, but if were up to me, I'd have as many "interest" stimulators around the baby as possible (sights, sounds, things to feel and manipulate, even some things to taste and smell). Not things that demand the attention, but things that respond to curiosity.

Answer 7

It depends on the perspective. From you're point of view (the baby), it's really important. You're brain is setting itself up for the rest of your life. From my perspective (the rest of the world) though, it's a waste. You cry, poop everywhere, and have no money making skills. You add very little to this world except for what could have been added by an inbred puppy.

Answer 8

Very important, my mum took four years off work to bring me up and I could read and write before starting primary school, no I was no child prodigy and I wasn`t coached for hours, but the mental stimulation gave me a head start in many areas.

Answer 9

Very very very important. You learn so much and it becomes 'hardwired' into your brain so you never lose it. Bad experiences in the first 3 years will give you shrink bills for the rest of your life.

Answer 10

Crucial - you learn virtually everything you need to survive and make relationships for the rest of your life during the first 3 years - when you think about it, it's no wonder little people get naggy - they learn to walk, talk, eat, toilet train, hug, trust, sleep alone, make friends, manage without significant people for short periods of time (e.g. parents/siblings going to work or school) - which helps prepare them for separations later on. The list is endless - and all this before you've even learnt to read !!!

Answer 11

quite important. this is the stage at which your brain starts wiring itself in response to the world around them, so a lot of vital functions are learned here.