We grow as part of a biological process, but growing is not the same as developing. Growth refers to physical changes, such as height or weight, which can be measured by certain standards. Development, on the other hand, is a complex process, involving biological, psychological and social changes, which influence later stages of life. With 43% of children under five at risk of not reaching their developmental potential, early childhood cannot wait.
In this blog post, we examine some key definitions to foster comprehensive development during this crucial stage.
Assisting Is Not the Same as Nurturing Care
Caring is responding to essential needs for survival, such as nutrition or health. Nurturing involves providing emotional support while considering each child’s uniqueness: their needs, emotions, abilities, and context. It implies parenting practices that guide the development process, always respecting the child’s dignity and rights and promoting well-being in all its dimensions. Therefore, nurturing is a complex task requiring shared responsibility among families, the community, and the state to help each child reach their full potential.
Entertaining Is Not the Same as Playing
Entertaining is not the same as playing when the adult is not actively involved in what the child is doing. This is often the case with the use of screens––even though the WHO recommends avoiding it in children under two and restricting it between the ages of 2 and 5, with adult supervision. Play is an interactive activity, in which the child connects, with others or with their environment, to explore the world around them through shapes, colors and textures, to learn hands-on through the senses.
From the earliest months, play has a key role in the adult-child separation process, as the baby perceives themselves as separate from their parent or caregiver, allowing them to explore and perceive themselves: their feet, hands, face. Later, the child will acquire the skills to play independently and with peers, stimulating cognitive and socio-emotional development. That’s why playing is more than just entertaining: it is an experience that involves affective interactions and stimulating proposals, where quality is essential.
Saying Is Not the Same as Speaking
It is well known that the number of words children can express is related to the number of words adults say to them. But saying is not the same as speaking.
Speaking to them involves recognizing the intention behind the communication. And even if children do not fully understand the meaning of the words, they do perceive the intention through the tone of voice, vocalizations, facial expressions, gaze and emotions conveyed. Speaking consciously to children and being available to them influences their social and emotional development. That is why it is important to generate the space for interaction with a back and forth between infant and adult.
Feeding Is Not the Same as Nourishing
Children need more than just food; they need proper nourishment to grow and develop. Today, many countries in the region face the dual burden of malnutrition, where stunting, overweight and obesity co-exist. Poor nutrition during the early stages of life causes damage that affects both physical growth and cognitive development. This is why the type of food is critical, starting with exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months and gradually introducing nutrient-rich solid foods. However, providing quality nutrition requires timely actions to ensure that families have the means and sufficient information.
Having a Place is Not the Same as Having a Caring Environment
It is said that “we are born twice”: the first time when we come out of the womb and the second when we acquire language, the ability to think and manage emotions. But this process is influenced by the context in which we live, and therefore the environment and surroundings are fundamental.
It is important that children have spaces that are physically safe (to avoid accidents), but that is not enough: a stimulating family micro-environment and a social macro-environment that offers possibilities for timely care are needed. This also means supporting adults, accompanying families, and taking care of those who provide care.
Building a Future from Early Childhood
Every interaction, every word, and every gesture in the early years leaves an imprint on a child’s development. Understanding the differences between caring and nurturing, entertaining and playing, or feeding and nourishing not only transforms the way we view parenting but also drives us to take conscious actions to create environments that enhance their comprehensive development.
Childhood does not stop, and every day is a unique opportunity to contribute to the well-being and autonomy of the youngest, laying the foundation for a fulfilling future. Supporting early childhood is an investment in a fairer, more equitable, and humane tomorrow for all.
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