Latest News

  • Home
  • Food & Health
  • Giving Children Vacations Instead of Toys Can Lead to Advanced Brain Development, Experts Suggest
Giving Children Vacations Instead of Toys Can Lead to Advanced Brain Development, Experts Suggest
18 March 2020 IST
Giving Children Vacations Instead of Toys Can Lead to Advanced Brain Development, Experts Suggest

Vacations Boost Child Brain Development

 
 

If you’re one of the many parents struggling to stem the flow of unwanted toys into your home, here’s some good news. Several experts suggest that gifting children vacations and experiences instead of toys can boost their brain development.
 
In an article for the Telegraph, child psychotherapist Dr. Margot Sunderland postulated that vacations are an investment in your child’s brain development. She wrote, “This is because on a family holiday you are exercising two genetically ingrained systems deep in the brain’s limbic area, which can all too easily be “unexercised” in the home. These are the PLAY system and the SEEKING system.” 
 
Sunderland cited the work of Professor Jaak Panksepp, a world-leading neuroscientist at Washington State University. Panksepp discovered the PLAY and SEEKING systems. 
 
According to Sunderland, “The brain’s PLAY system is exercised every time you bury your child’s feet in the sand, tickle them on the pool lounger, or take them for a ride on your back. The brain’s SEEKING system is exercised each time you go exploring together: the forest, the beach, a hidden gem of a village.” 
 
Exercising your child’s PLAY and SEEKING systems leads to growth in the frontal lobe. This part of the brain deals with cognitive functioning, problem-solving, emotional expression, memory, language, and judgment. And the more you use these systems, the stronger they become. 
 
When you take your child on a vacation, they have the opportunity to explore a new place. This activates the SEEKING system. And removing your family from your daily, possibly stress-filled routines encourages you to play together. 

 
 

Well-Being and Happiness
 
Beyond your child’s brain development, exercising their PLAY and SEEKING systems through a family vacation also contributes to their general happiness and well-being. When we activate those systems in our brain, neurochemicals such as dopamine, oxytocin, and opioids are released. These neurochemicals support feelings of closeness in relationships. They also relieve stress and help you feel that all is well and good, 
 
A 2017 study suggests that time together is what makes people feel most loved. The study published in The Journal of Social and Personal Relationships involved asking 495 men and women between the ages of 18 and 93 to complete a questionnaire evaluating what makes people feel loved. Each of the 60 questions began with, “Most people feel loved when…” 
 
The researchers learned that most people felt loved through interactions with other humans, not gifts. Dr. Zita Oravecz, one of the researchers, told NPR, “Our research found that micro-moments of positivity, like a kind word, cuddling with a child, or receiving compassion make people feel most loved.” Family vacations provide ample opportunities for these interactions because your family is removed from the distractions and responsibilities of everyday life. 
 
So, for the next holiday or birthday, instead of shopping for toys, consider spending that money on a family vacation. You can even request that other gift-givers, such as grandparents, contribute to your vacation fund rather than purchasing a toy for your child. The memories from the special time you spend as a family will last far longer than your child’s interest in the next plaything they receive.

 
 
 
 
 

Related Topics

 
 
 

Trending News & Articles

 Article
12 Early Signs Of Lung Cancer To Never Ignore

Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...

Recently posted . 5K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
10 Amazing Benefits Of Bael (Kaitha)

Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
11 Surprising Benefits Of Wood Apple Or Bael Fruit

The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...

Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
These 7 Remedies Can Remove The Milia (Milk Spots) From Your Face

Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...

Recently posted . 3K views . 2 min read
 

 
 

More in Food & Health

 Article
6 best rowing machines to buy in 2022

With regards to getting an extraordinary activity meeting at home, the best paddling machines are difficult to beat. Dissimilar to treadmills and exercise bicycles,...

Recently posted. 622 views . 2 min read
 

 Article
World Toilet Day: Why you must wash your hands after going to the bathroom

World Toilet Day 2018: Bathrooms are teeming with bacteria. But do you actually need to wash your hands every time you use the bathroom? Read on for some facts th...

Recently posted. 649 views . 1 min read
 

 Article
Mooli Paratha Recipe

Mooli paratha is something which any Punjabi can vouch for. The muli  parathas smeared with butter and eaten with thick curd are a regular fare in the...

Recently posted. 636 views . 13 min read
 

 Video
Simple Exercise To Relieve Leg Pain



Recently posted . 625 views
 

 Photo
Some Best Massagers By Tokuyo



Recently posted . 1K views
 

 Article
The 2 Benefits of Burning and Vaporizing Bay Leaves In Your House

Bay leaves are a common staple in many people’s spice collections. The dried green leaves are most commonly used in cooking and many people drop a leaf or t...

Recently posted. 1K views . 2 min read
 

 Article
Disability cause: Early childhood poor nutrition linked to hearing loss

Hearing loss is the fourth leading cause of disability worldwide, and an estimated 80 % of affected individuals live in low- and middle-income countries. <...

Recently posted. 651 views . 1 min read
 

 
 
 

   Prashnavali

  Thought of the Day

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.”
Wayne Dyer

Be the first one to comment on this story

Close
Post Comment
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST
Shibu Chandran
2 hours ago

Serving political interests in another person's illness is the lowest form of human value. A 70+ y old lady has cancer.

November 28, 2016 05:00 IST


ads
Back To Top