Parents/Caregivers
You are your child’s first and most important teacher. This book helps you make the most of it.
Bringing home a baby comes with a thousand questions and a lot of unknowns. But one thing is now certain: the first three years of life are the most important period for building a healthy brain—and you have more power to help than anyone. The Brain Game shows you how.
Why the First Three Years Matter
From the moment your baby opens their eyes, they’re learning. Their brain is literally being “wired” for the rest of their life, and everyday moments with you are what build it. 85% of brain development happens in the first three years of life.
A baby is born with nearly all the brain cells they’ll ever have. What the early years build is the connections between them. In these first years, a young child’s brain forms hundreds of new neural connections every second—a pace it will never match again (Harvard University Center on the Developing Child). The connections your child uses grow strong and last; the ones that go unused fade away. In other words, the simple things you do every day are shaping your child’s brain for life.
The best part? It doesn’t take special toys, classes, or expertise. It takes you.
Try This Today
You’re probably already doing some of these. The Brain Game helps you do them at the right time, in the right way, for each stage of your child’s growth. Here are a few to start with:
- Talk your way through the day. Narrate what you’re doing: “Now we’re washing your hands, nice and warm.” The more words your baby hears, the stronger their language skills become.
- Sing, even if you think you can’t. To your baby, your voice is the most comforting sound in the world. Sing during bath time, diaper changes, and car rides.
- Read together from day one. It doesn’t matter if your baby understands the words yet. Point at the pictures, talk about them, and let them hear the rhythm of language.
- Play “serve and return.” When your baby babbles, gestures, or coos, respond with words, a smile, or a gesture back. This back-and-forth is one of the most powerful brain-builders there is.
- Let them explore texture. Hand your baby a soft sponge or a smooth spoon to touch while you go about your day. New sensations spark new connections.
What You’ll Find Inside
The Brain Game takes the latest research on early childhood brain development and puts it into plain, encouraging language organized by your child’s age, so you always know what’s happening and what helps. Inside, you’ll find:
- Simple, hands-on activities matched to each stage from birth to 36 months
- Tips for keeping your home safe as your child grows and explores
- Guidance on choosing childcare providers
- Help communicating with your child’s doctor, including a “Calendar of Firsts” to track milestones
- And plenty of fun for both of you
This isn’t the only resource you’ll ever need. But it’s an important one: a friendly guide in your corner during the years that matter most.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Here’s something every new parent needs to hear: you don’t have to get it all right. You don’t need fancy equipment or a background in child development. Every time you talk to, hold, sing to, or play with your child, you’re already helping their brain grow. The Brain Game simply helps you do a little more of what works.
How to Get the Book
Order your own copy. You can order The Brain Game directly through our website and start using it today.
Check if it’s available free near you. Thanks to Rotary clubs and community partners, many hospitals and family-serving organizations give The Brain Game to new parents at no cost. If you received a copy from your hospital or a local agency, that’s this program at work! If you’re not sure whether it’s offered in your area, contact us and we’ll help.
Already Have the Book? Here’s how to use it.
Don’t feel like you have to read the entire book all at once. It’s organized into sections by the child’s age, so focus on one section at a time.
You might also consider bringing the book with you to your well-child visits. Your pediatrician can review the information and resources with you and help answer any questions.
Finally, don’t worry if your child isn’t hitting the milestones as outlined in the book exactly. Talk with your pediatrician, but know that these are a range – some children mature at a faster rate than others. (Note, this is not medical advice and you should discuss with your healthcare provider).
Have Questions?
Visit our FAQ page for answers about the book, or reach out anytime.
The La Crosse Rotary Brain Game, Inc.
PO Box 384, La Crosse, Wisconsin 54602-0384
📞 608-526-4491