The concept of mirror neurons, brain cells that fire when you see someone doing an action, was first described by scientists in 1992. It is believed that humans learn language, facial expressions, physical actions, and even empathy through the brains ability to send signals to the appropriate brain area by merely watching an action take place. Through understanding this concept of mirror neurons and how they operate we can help train and teach our children new activities, games, language, and appropriate social interactions. When helping children learn new skills watching the task completed will aid in the learning process. This reinforces the importance of "face time" with our children, and making sure that our babies and toddlers see our physical expressions and watch the movements of our mouths as we speak in order to facilitate their language development. Seeing our physical expressions along with hearing speech will help our children develop understanding of language and the emotions that coincide with our words and tone of voice.
On a practical level, one way that I use mirror neurons with my children is during feeding time. To help a distracted eater, I would present a spoonful of food while I show them my own open mouth. The usual results are a copying of the open mouth position and a renewed interest in the food. Before teaching your toddler a new activity, such as kicking a ball for example it will help him to learn if you show him how you do it and then assist him in copying you. Keep the concept of mirror neurons in mind when you attempt to teach your toddler or child a new activity.
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