In her TED talk “How every child can thrive by five,” seven-year-old Molly Wright emphasizes the profound impact of early childhood interactions on brain development. With the help of her friend Ari and neighbor Amarjot, Molly demonstrates how simple activities like peekaboo can foster essential life skills and brain growth. She explains that the first five years of life are critical for development, as a child’s brain rapidly forms neural connections.Molly highlights five key elements that support healthy brain development: connecting, talking, playing, a healthy home, and community. She introduces the concept of “serve and return,” which involves responsive interactions between adults and children, such as playing, talking, and engaging in activities together. These interactions build memory, trust, vocabulary, empathy, and attention, forming the foundation for future learning and relationships.Molly also illustrates the negative effects of a lack of engagement, showing how children can become confused and stressed when adults are unresponsive. She urges adults to prioritize meaningful connections with children, emphasizing that every moment is an opportunity to positively influence their development.In conclusion, Molly calls for adults to consistently engage with children through “serve and return” interactions to help them thrive and reach their full potential. She believes that such efforts can create a better future, reinforcing the idea that even simple games can have a profound impact on a child’s life.
