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The first moments matter for every child. This is the message UNICEF wishes to convey in its latest report on early childhood development. The document recalls that the quality of children’s brain development will depend on their cognitive, emotional and social development. “The first three years of life are a foundational moment for the brain development and it should be stimulated to offer him the best chances of development in his life, ”he explains. Why is this period so essential? Before the age of 3, the brain can form 1 neural connections every second.
The first 1000 days of a baby’s life, crucial for his future
These early stages of brain development will also have a significant influence on the child’s ability to lead. a fulfilling adult life. This is why Unicef evokes the factors considered “beneficial” during this period. While talking, singing, cuddling, and playing with a child seems trivial, these interactions are crucial for a baby with a developing brain. “They stimulate the establishment of neural connections. Deprived of affection, a child ends up letting itself be wasted, many scientists have shown, ”explains Unicef. Another major element: food, because it takes energy to support brain activity for the first 1 days of life.
Investing in early childhood is investing in the future
At the age of the infant, it is indeed established that 50% to 75% of the food ingested is used to provide energy to the brain. Conversely, insufficient nutrition can cause development and growth delays. Other factors are also known to disrupt good brain growth, and the document mentions by way of example violence and pollution, real obstacles for children to grow up well. In this regard, Unicef stresses that “pollution microparticles can damage brain tissue. Globally, 300 million children live in areas where their concentration exceeds at least six times international standards. “
Likewise, violence, abuse, neglect and traumatic experiences cause an increase in cortisol, a hormone that produces toxic stress that limits neural connectivity. in the developing brain. However, “when a child’s brain does not develop in the right conditions, the negative repercussions are long-term. This child then experiences learning difficulties, has more difficulty integrating the world of work and sees his horizon dwindling, ”adds the organization. The latter in fact encourages the public authorities to better fund early childhood programs in order to reduce poverty.
Many positive spinoffs
It is moreover more expensive for governments to do nothing: Unicef estimates that we spend two to three times more for health and educational programs than if we had initially invested in early childhood. While the positive benefits of such an investment include an increase in the level of education, improved health, lower crime and higher income. “The children of today are the skilled workers of tomorrow. What we are putting in place today to promote their good brain development and unlocking their potential will be decisive for their future, as well as ours, ”concludes the organization.
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