We have long held that the first six years of experience lays the foundation for a child's whole life.

But scientists have now learned that the synaptic activity associated with early experiences actually changes the physical structure of the brain, 'like currents shifting sand on the ocean floor'.

Many scientists believe that in the first few years of childhood there are a number of critical or sensitive periods, or ‘windows’, for learning certain skills, such as language.

Synaptic nerve connections, built by experience, reach their highest density around the age of two, and remain at that level until the age of 10 or 11.

But the child must either use these synaptic connections or lose them. After the age of 10 'the brain will ruthlessly destroy its weakest synapses’.

This means that the more your child participates in physical activities and games during their formative years, the more their synaptic connections based on these activities will strengthen and last for a lifetime.

It can be either a virtuous or a vicious cycle because the more you take part in physical play the more you learn, the more fun it becomes, and the more you take part. Or, not.

'By age 8, children make up to 70 percent of their decisions to participate in activities based upon self-perceived competence…' (Hebron)

In these days of obesity and related health issues, forming an early positive attitude toward physical activity is a critical foundation for a child's lifelong health and fitness.

And the self confidence a child learns in physical play carries over to intellectual and social pursuits.