It is the control centre. The development of the brain is actually quite miraculous. The most rapid development of the brain occurs in the first three years of life and during adolescence.
This is the teenage years.

Toxic stress in a child’s life, especially during those times, actually alters the function of the brain. If, in addition to the stress, the child does not have a trusted adult in their life, at least one, the damage could be irreversible. Children who do not have a trusted adult in the life, often end up the adult who is constantly scanning the environment for danger and also, who forms very poor attachments.

Providing a child with an enriching environment, helps solidify knowledge and brain pathways from which experiences are formed. An enriching environment has very little to do with money. A family could have all the money in the world and yet the children are not enriched. It has everything to do with being present for the child, providing for them with the best of what you have, dignifying them with your actions, and not inadvertently or purposefully making them think that they are not good enough.

Be the trusted adult in the lives of children and adolescents in your family and under your care. Your love, encouragement, care, and support for children goes a long way in ensuring that collectively, we make lives better for those who come into our sphere of influence.