Copycat Babies

When a mum sees a picture of her baby smiling, brain activity is triggered in the part of the brain that is linked with pleasure. Brain scan studies prove it!

Well, that's no great surprise, we all like smiling kids don't we?

When the baby reaches three months apparently the bond strengthens. Further studies have shown that if the mum shows signs of fear and the baby sees, then they are likely to mimic the action e.g. widening eyes, even if the trigger is harmless.

Now we know why we love our Mums.

Further reading: The Brain Book by Rita Carter

The games we used to play

As Christmas approaches and kids start asking for the latest games and gadgets, it occurred to me 'what games did we ask for or play when we were kids at Christmas?
Maybe today's children would have just as much fun away from a PC screen, as we did.

And then I started listing them...please add as many as you can.

Here's some for starters:
- Battleships
- Kerplunk
- Mousetrap
- Cludeo
- Marbles
- British bulldogs
- Where's the ball io
- Escaldo (horse racing)
- Subbuteo
- Murder in the dark
- Buckaroo
- Monopoly
- Bob's full house
- Carpet Golf
- Tick/tag
- Frustration
- Mastermind
- and Spirograph (my favourite)

Having More Kids?

The experts are at it again!
Recent research by Montpelier University concludes that 'first borns' are more selfish and less co-operative because the arrival of a sibling has a negative impact on their personality, making them wary of others and their motives!!

So, what about all those little mother hens or big brothers who go out of their way to care and protect?

In an attempt to answer this, I asked my own kids. The eldest didn't have time to talk and my youngest, who contrary to research is much taller than his sister (see report), was relaxed about the whole thing.

Maybe the research is right?, but in my opinion, all kids can be all things and it's down to how they're raised from birth, the values we instil in them and who and what they listen to.

We have a big part to play and you know what...it's the best 'game' ever.

Let me have your thoughts.

See report here:

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1234550/Firstborns-selfish-youngsters--likely-achieve-greatness.html