Like all relationships, the parent-child bond needs time, attention, and energy to thrive. In fact, researchers have identified a crucial element of this relationship called "serve and return." Babies' brains thrive when adults respond to babies' babbles, coos, and cries—even when they are busy. This back-and-forth interaction between parent and child forms the foundation for all future learning. Here's a closer look at serve and return and why it matters so much for a baby's brain development.
What is serve and return?
Serve and return refers to the back-and-forth interactions between children and the adults in their lives. These interactions can take many forms, such as making eye contact, smiling, listening, singing, reading together, talking, or playing peek-a-boo. Anytime an adult responds to a baby's sounds, gestures, or expressions—even if it's just a simple smile—it counts as serve and return. This type of positive interaction helps the baby's brain form connections that are essential for learning.
Why is serve and return so important?
Serve and return is important because it helps a baby's brain develop in three key ways:
- Serve and return helps the baby's brain grow.
When adults respond to babies' sounds and gestures, it helps trigger new connections—or synapses—between brain cells. The more connections there are in a baby's brain, the better her brain works. In fact, studies have shown that babies who experience regular serve and return interactions have brains that are more active than those who don't get this critical stimulation.
- Serve and return strengthens the baby's developing emotions.
Each time an adult responds positively to a baby's expressions—whether sad, happy, frustrated, or excited—it reassures her that she is loved and supported. This sense of security helps the baby develop healthy emotions and lays the groundwork for empathy later in life.
- Screen time
The final reason why serve and return is so important has to do with screen time—specifically, how too much of it can interfere with healthy development. When parents are patient with their young children during screen time activities such as movies or video games without overcorrecting them or getting impatient, they help them learn how to moderate their emotions while using screens later in childhood. Children need this emotional guidance from adults since they are still developing the ability to control their impulses. Too much screen time without this moderating support can lead to problems like attention deficits, frustration, or even aggression. As you can see, being responsive to your child during screen time activities is crucial for setting them up for success as they grow older.
Serve and return is a simple but important way adults can help children develop strong language skills. By engaging in back-and-forth interactions with children, we give them opportunities to practice communicating—which lays the foundation for success in school and beyond. So the next time you're talking with a young child, remember to give them plenty of opportunities to "return the ball." It just might make a world of difference in their future.