The Jamaican Home Visiting intervention strengthens parents’ abilities to use responsive interactions and play to help their children develop well. The intervention has substantial benefits to children’s development and is the first early childhood stimulation program in low and middle-income countries to show long term benefits of play for adult education, income, and … [Read more...] about Playful learning for families: the Jamaican home visiting model going to scale…in Jamaica!
Family and Children
Can we really change parenting behavior?
This question has been on our minds as we analyze the effects of a recent home visit program implemented by the Nicaraguan government (results forthcoming, stay tuned!). The Nicaraguan intervention, like most home visit programs, targets children’s first and arguably most important teachers: their parents. The curriculum aims to strengthen parents’ knowledge of early childhood … [Read more...] about Can we really change parenting behavior?
Serve and Return: How to Build a Child’s Brain in 5 Easy Steps
Have you ever smiled back at a giggling baby or played peek-a-boo with a toddler? Did you know you were helping build connections in that child’s developing brain? At the Center on the Developing Child, we call these responsive interactions “serve and return” because they go back and forth—like players with a ball in a game of tennis or volleyball. … [Read more...] about Serve and Return: How to Build a Child’s Brain in 5 Easy Steps
Are We Paying Attention to Children’s Emotional Development?
Scientific evidence shows that the seeds for emotional development are planted in the first years of life and provide the foundation for social functioning. What is our role in nurturing this development? How can we support children in becoming socially competent adults who care about others and society? … [Read more...] about Are We Paying Attention to Children’s Emotional Development?
Love for Our Children
Almost 40% of young people between the ages of 13 and 24 who identify as LGBTQ+ have seriously considered suicide in the last year. This statistic not only saddens me as a 40-year old gay man myself, but also as the father of two wonderful boys who I hope will never have to hide from me such level of despair. As Pride month is in full gear all around the world, we must remember … [Read more...] about Love for Our Children