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Parenting our way: Growing strong minds

This resource is part of Parenting our way, a collection of resources created with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents, families and workers to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

 

To help your child grow up healthy and strong, it’s important to think about the world around them. Their family, relationships and experiences all impact their social and emotional wellbeing.

When you understand how your child’s development works, you can support them in ways that help them feel safe, loved and ready to thrive. You don’t need to be perfect, just present, curious and caring.

What is brain development?

Your child’s brain starts developing even before birth (in the womb) and keeps growing throughout life. Every cuddle, chat and playful moment helps shape their brain to grow a strong mind and body.

Sheryl Batchelor is a proud Kunja woman and the founder/CEO of Yiliyapinya, a not-for-profit organisation focused on brain health and healing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and their families.

Watch this video (1 minute, 45 seconds) to hear Sheryl talk about growing strong minds.

 

‘All parts of the brain work together and need care, just like a garden needs water and sunlight.’

– Sheryl Batchelor, filmed in Meanjin

 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities understand the importance of these connections for wellbeing. This is seen in our relationships with family, Community and Country. We are built to connect – it’s not just a nice thought, it’s how our brains work best.

When your child develops trusting relationships, pathways are created in the brain that help them feel close, safe and support them to understand their emotions. These are part of your brain’s natural design – like built-in tools for love and care.

Understanding the brain

There are three main parts of the brain that all work together to support a healthy mind and body:

  • The prefrontal cortex helps with decision-making and solving problems.
  • The midbrain handles emotions, memories, and feeling safe.
  • The brainstem keeps the heart beating and helps with breathing.

In the next video (1 minute, 12 seconds), Sheryl describes how these parts of the brain connect and work together.

Understanding neurological function and neuroplasticity

Neurological function and neuroplasticity are important parts of building healthy brains and minds.

Neurological function is how the brain handles memory, attention, emotions and learning. A healthy brain helps your child make good choices and manage feelings.

Neuroplasticity is about the ability of your child’s brain to change and make new connections based on what they experience every day.

 

‘We all benefit from these connections and being in nature – it’s healing for parents too.’

– Sheryl Batchelor, filmed in Meanjin

 

Building blocks for growing strong minds include:

  • Sleep, nutrition and hydration: Rest, healthy food and water fuel the brain.
  • Love and connection: Eye contact, cuddles, routines and talking all help build trust and safety.
  • Play and nature: Outdoor play, connecting to Country and exploring nature all help brains grow and heal.
  • Learning: Encouraging curiosity and questions helps to support neuroplasticity.

Serve and return interactions are another important part of brain development and growing healthy minds. These are the back-and-forth moments between you and your child, like when your baby babbles and you answer, or when your child reaches out and you respond with love and attention.

 

What’s next? Explore other Parenting our way resources:

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