From the Subconscious Mind to the Conscious Mind
Research has discovered a great variety of brain waves we can identify based on their frequency. From the very low levels of activity recorded in deep sleep (delta waves), to the higher frequencies recorded during conscious thoughts (beta waves).
As children grow, the predominant frequencies in their brains progress from slower to faster waves. This means, they progress from the subconscious mind to the conscious mind.
Delta waves and the subconscious mind
From the moment of our birth until around 2 years of age, the human brain works mainly with waves of low frequency. During deep sleep, adults find themselves in the delta range. This explains why newborns usually can’t stay awake for very long.
Therefore, they function mostly in the subconscious mind. They do little filtering, correcting, or judging of the information they receive from the outside world. At this age, the activity of the “thinking brain” (the neocortex) is very low.
Zeta waves
From the ages of 2 to 5 or 6 years old, children begin to manifest slightly higher EEG numbers. Children who “live in zeta” live in a cerebral state similar to a trance. They are also more connected to their inner world than the outside world.
They live in the world of the abstract and imagination. Their critical and rational thinking are not very developed. For this same reason, young children have a tendency to believe everything they are told (like believing in Santa Claus, for example).
At this age, saying things like these will have a great impact on them: Good girls are quiet. Boys do not cry. Your brother is smarter than you. You can’t do this. You will be a failure. You’re a bad kid… These types of statements go directly to their subconscious, because slower brain waves are the kingdom of the subconscious.
Everything a child sees and hears comes together in the form of beliefs. And those beliefs are what will determine their behavior and their way of interpreting reality during adulthood.
That is why it is very important to raise them with this in mind. Now that you know this valuable information, be responsible with it.
Alpha waves
From the ages of 5 to 8 years old, their brain waves change again to a slightly higher frequency. The analytical mind begins to form, which allows children to make interpretations and extract conclusions about the laws of external life. At the same time, their inner world of imagination tends to feel just as real as the outside world.
Children in this age group usually have one foot in each world. That is why they like role play so much. For example, if you ask a child to pretend he’s a dolphin in the sea or for a snowflake swept up by the wind or a superhero on his way to rescue someone, he can play pretend for hours.
Beta waves
From the age of 8 to 12 years old and up, brain activity increases at even higher frequencies. These types of waves last into the adult age and increase in varying degrees.
After age 12, the door between the conscious and the subconscious mind usually closes. Beta waves are divided into low, medium, and high waves. As children approach adolescence, they move from low-range beta waves to mid-range and high-range waves, similar to those we see in most adults.
Now that you know roughly how brain waves work, understand that all the information your subconscious mind absorbed during your first 7 years of life still has an influence over your life now. But if you get to know yourself, you’ll be able to control and manage what shape that influence takes.
So if you have children under your care… be careful what you say to them! Because they will believe it. Be patient with them and tell them constantly how precious they are. Love them and teach them to love each other. It will last the rest of their lives.