Parents should enhance their children’s brain development through ‘3Bs’ – ‘Banyak Bawa Bermain’ (play more), ‘Banyak Bawa Bercakap’ (talk more) and ‘Banyak Bacakan Buku’ (read more).
Paediatric consultant at the Child Development Centre (CDC) at the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr Hajah Mawarni binti Haji Abdul Hamid gave this advice during the ‘OK Kah Anakku’ roadshow at OneCity Shopping Centre in Kampong Sungai Hanching yesterday.
She said the 3Bs are crucial in the first five years of children’s life when their brains develop rapidly, a period for the parents to develop their children.
“Some parents may think ‘It’s too late. My child is older’ or ‘I want to spend more time with my child but I’m busy with work’. Don’t worry, it’s not too late. A child’s brain has neuroplasticity, which means a child’s brain functions can be improved when necessary,” said Dr Hajah Mawarni.
She said the 3Bs strategy supports Brunei Vision 2035 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as children with good upbringing and quality education have better potential for success in their adulthood.
“We acknowledge that there are unavoidable development issues such Down syndrome or even autism. Even children with these conditions can benefit from the 3Bs.
“A child’s brain architecture is sensitive to external stimuli. Bad experiences, adversities or stress during the early years can have negative impacts on a child’s life in terms of cognitive and socio-emotional development, and ultimately their success in the future,” said Dr Hajah Mawarni.
“It is important for us to ensure all children have the opportunity to develop optimally. We should pay more attention by supporting parents in providing the best care for children. Studies show improving early childhood development will bring the best return of investment,” Dr Hajah Mawarni added.
Minister of Health Dato Seri Setia Dr Haji Mohd Isham bin Haji Jaafar attended the event as the guest of honour, who also toured the exhibition on CDC.
Several agencies participated in the roadshow including the Special Education Unit at the Ministry of Education; Religious Special Education Unit at the lslamic Studies Department, Ministry of Religious Affairs; Different Abled Division at the Community Development Department, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports; and Child and Teen Mental Health Services at the Psychiatry Department, MoH. – Azlan Othman
