At birth, a baby's brain is a mass of neurons, with a core group of circuits hard-wired to govern life's basic functions. But trillions of other neurons remain unprogrammed, ready and waiting for the experiences of childhood to shape the brain. Stimulated, these neurons form a unique, interconnected web that controls thought and emotion. This process continues to be refined until the age of ten when unused neurons begin to fade away.

Scientists agree that mother does know best: spending quality time with children is essential to brain development. Read through the TODAY Show's BRINGING UP BABY web site to find activities and information on how to make the most of this time with your young children.

To order videotapes of the week long series BRINGING UP BABY, call 1-800-420-2626. Tapes are $29.95 plus shipping and handling.