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© Blog First Steps, IDB's Social Protection and Health Division  by Filipa de Castro and Betania Allen A recent report on child development in Mexico (link in Spanish) concluded that although the issue is a current topic of discussion that is being addressed by national programs, there is no general policy or comprehensive vision for child development. Mexico's best goal … [Read more...] about Mexico’s Best Goal: Making a Commitment to Child Development

© Blog First Steps, IDB´s Social Protection and Health Division  by Agustín Cáceres We all know that riding a bike is less polluting than driving or that using reusable cloth bags is infinitely better than those lethal plastic grocery bags from the supermarket, which are responsible for the death of thousands of sea turtles each year; however, on World Environment Day, I … [Read more...] about World Environment Day: Which One Causes More Pollution, Disposable or Cloth Diapers?

© Blog First Steps, IDB´s Social Protection and Health Division  by Marta Rubio Codina  A few days ago, I attended the event “Transforming the Future Starts in Childhood,” organized by the IDB and the ALAS Foundation. I enjoyed a very pleasant and rewarding day listening to academics, policy makers and representatives from foundations, international agencies and … [Read more...] about Toys from Recycled Materials: A Good Way to Learn Through Play

© Blog First Steps, IDB´s Social Protection and Health Division  by Clara Alemann In the United States, half of girls are dissatisfied with their bodies, 42% of girls in first through third grade wish they were thinner, and 81% of 10-year-olds are afraid of being fat. Worse yet, 10 out of 100 girls have an eating disorder, with negative consequences on the good nutrition … [Read more...] about Gender Expectations and Children’s Self-Esteem: Too Much Pressure on Girls?

© Blog First Steps, IDB´s Social Protection and Health Division  In recent weeks, a commercial, #WorldsToughestJob, has been making the rounds on social media. In the video, a company interviews several people for the position of “director of operations.” During the course of the interview, the characteristics of the position are described to the applicants: it’s a very … [Read more...] about Mother’s Day, Being a Mom is not the #WorldsToughestJob