Neural Connections

I was recently talking to a dyslexia specialist who corrected me and said that she's technically a "therapist" because she rewires the brain.

We laughed at how fancy she sounded.

But that brief conversation reminded me of this video.  (Although-- to be clear-- I am in no way supporting or endorsing the company or website affiliated with it.  I know nothing about them.)

Our brain is constantly being wired and rewired. That is neuroplasticity. Anytime our kids make an academic connection or finally have an understanding of a concept, their brains have been rewired. Oprah calls them "light bulb moments".

Thoughts about ourselves wire our brains to believe certain things and react in certain ways. If those thoughts are negative, it's our job as teachers, counselors, and parents to change the message our kids are sending themselves. In essence, we are charged with rewiring the brain.

It takes time. It is by no means immediate. But the encouraging thing is that it is possible. Biologically and physiologically within the realm of reason that we can teach kids to think differently about themselves... their potential... their future.

Uh... HOW EXCITING IS THAT????!!!!

It can be done! We CAN change the future. We CAN impact lives.

Unfortunately, kids' brains don't send us an update that they are in the process of being rewired. Or that they are slowly disconnecting bad thoughts and connecting good ones.

So we may never see the difference we've made.

But we really are changing kids' brains-- for better or worse--- all the time.

I guess that means we're all "therapists".

Hmmm... I need a raise. :)