Building Core Capabilities
Research shows that there is a set of underlying core capabilities that adults use in order to work and parent effectively. Focus, flexibility, and self-control are a few examples. These capabilities are orchestrated by two kinds of self-regulation mechanisms: automatic and intentional. A balance is needed between both. Whenever any situation occurs that requires a response (such as a knock on the door), the automatic system is triggered first. It initiates a response, and then the intentional self-regulation system kicks in and signals the automatic system as to whether the initial response is the right one, or more careful thought is required. If either system is unable to do its job effectively, the response to the knock on the door will be inappropriate in some way.
Exposure to early toxic stress can trigger responses that affect the chemistry of brain circuits involved in the development of executive function and self-regulation capacities. Experiencing serious adversity as a child can predispose people to perceive situations as potential threats, causing their automatic self-regulation system to overreact and be less susceptible to the influence of the intentional system. It is possible for adults to build and restore core capabilities, but targeting children is the most effective way to prevent detrimental development, since the foundations of executive function and self-regulation are built in early childhood. Research has found that “supportive, responsive relationships in stable, safe environments support the healthy development of the whole brain in the earliest years” (Harvard). This healthy development will contribute to children someday becoming successful workers and parents of their own.
For more information watch Harvard’s short video on “How Children and Adults can Build Core Capabilities for Life”.