When most of us think about having a baby, we think about how cute they are. We imagine dressing them up and showing them off. We think of all the fun we will have with this new little creature. We think of these things whether we are going to parent the baby or just be grandma or auntie.

But let’s think of some other things about having a baby. Think of the baby’s brain. Did you know that when a baby is born, her brain is about one-quarter the size of the brain she will have as an adult?

In addition, many of her brain cells are waiting to be connected. They get connected by being used. If they are not used, they disappear.

This is just one of the scientific breakthroughs that have recently contributed to our knowledge of the importance of the early years of a child’s life.

Here are a few more items we know about the brain’s early development and that should influence our behavior:

• The brain never stops changing throughout a person’s life.

• The most intense period of growth of the brain is during the first three years of a child’s life. This is when you are most important as her parent.

• Even at age three, the child’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s brain.

• The child’s brain develops based on her genetics (the brain she inherits from her parents) and her life experience.

• The quality of relationships and experiences in the first three years has a deep and lasting impact on how the brain gets “wired.” We need to be aware of this important time.

• The early wiring of the brain sets the foundation for development in every aspect of life. These early years really count.

• Brain development and behavior are bound together. They continually influence each other.

• Each brain can develop in many different ways depending on genetics, experience, relationships, health, and nutrition.

It is clear that the importance of parenting from the very beginning needs to be emphasized. We used to believe that learning began when school started. It doesn’t. It begins from day one after birth. What you do or do not do makes a difference in your child’s lifetime abilities.

Even if you aren’t the parent but you are parenting by being the child-care grandma or the everyday baby sitter who is doing the parenting. The stories you are reading and the words you are saying influence the baby’s development. The hugs you give as part of parenting and even the discipline you use make a huge impact on this little one.

Notice what your child does right and talk about it and she will keep doing it. Notice what she does wrong and talk about it and she will keep doing it. It is clear where you should put your attention.

The importance of what you do as a parent begins much earlier than we used to think it did. This is not a cause for anxiety. If is a chance to make parenting more rewarding than ever while still being one of the most exciting and joyful opportunities a parent will ever have.

Good luck in being a part of a baby’s amazing development. As someone involved in parenting a child, your “job” is crucially important.

Cynthia Martin is the founder of the First Teacher program and former executive director of Parenting Matters Foundation, which publishes newsletters for parents, caregivers and grandparents. To reach First Teacher Executive Director Patty Waite, email patty@firstteacher.org or call 360-681-2250.