The First Three Years Matter Most

When it comes to raising a fast learner, the early childhood years hold more importance than many of us may realize. Between the ages of one and three, a child’s brain goes through rapid growth. In fact, by the age of three, the brain has reached approximately 80 percent of its adult size. And it is forming over a million new connections every second.

Abbott, a global leader in healthcare, has recently launched a campaign that supports parents in understanding how simple activities and proper nutrition can contribute to this critical time in their child’s development. The “Raising Fast Learners: Unlocking Milestones in Year 3 and Beyond” event was held at ActiveFun BGC and brought together experts, parents, and advocates for early learning.

Supporting Parents with Practical Guidance

At the heart of this campaign is the desire to empower parents with knowledge they can apply at home. Abbott invited parents to a unique play-based workshop led by experts in both child development and nutrition.

Developmental and behavioral pediatrician Dr. Josie Eusebio and Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., Nutrition Medical Director for Pacific Asia at Abbott, participated in the discussion and shared insights with the attending families. Also present were celebrity parents Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, along with their daughter Dylan, who joined the activities and shared their parenting journey.

What Happens in the Brain During Early Childhood

“The brain’s neural connections are strengthened by consistent, positive daily experiences, responsive caregiving, and proper nutrition, making early childhood a vital window for shaping long-term learning potential,” said Dr. Josie Eusebio. “Through simple activities and by prioritizing good nutrition, parents can support their child’s cognitive growth at the peak of their child’s brain development.”

Dr. Eusebio explained how the brain grows through three critical processes during this stage: neurogenesis, the creation of brain cells; synaptogenesis, the formation of connections between those cells; and myelination, which helps speed up how the brain sends and receives information. These processes help shape how a child thinks, remembers, and learns.

She encouraged parents to engage in activities like tracing, sensory play, and asking thoughtful questions. These simple, everyday moments can help develop foundational skills that support learning later in life.

The Role of Nutrition in Building Smart Brains

What we feed our children matters as much as how we play with them. A balanced diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats plays a significant role in supporting early brain development.

“Nutrition with added gangliosides has been identified to help improve IQ scores in young children,” said Dr. Jose Rodolfo Dimaano Jr., medical director for Abbott’s nutrition business in Asia Pacific. “Abbott formulated Similac GainSchool with its exclusive Prodi-G Nutrition System—the first and only milk formula with added gangliosides. Together, these ingredients help strengthen neural pathways, protect developing brain cells, and promote faster learning during a child’s most formative years.”

Gangliosides are special lipids found in the brain that support the formation of strong connections between brain cells. These connections are crucial for learning, maintaining focus, and enhancing memory.

Parenting with Purpose and Play

Throughout the workshop, parents and children joined hands-on play activities that demonstrated how everyday interactions can be powerful tools for learning. Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo, both Similac GainSchool ambassadors, shared how they incorporate fun, purposeful play into their daily routine with their daughter Dylan.

They explored ways to make play more engaging and meaningful, guided by the expert insights shared during the workshop. It was a reminder to all parents that small moments spent playing, talking, and connecting with our children can have a lasting impact on their growth.

Where to Learn More

Similac GainSchool is now available in leading supermarkets, drugstores, and online platforms nationwide. Moms who want to explore more about how nutrition and play can help raise fast learners can visit https://www.family.abbott/ph-en/similac-gainschool/home.html.