© Blog First Steps, IDB’s Social Protection and Health Division by Patricia Jara We’ve all heard our parents say—and perhaps even said it ourselves—that no one is taught to be a parent, probably in an attempt to justify an ill-conceived response to an uncertain or stressful situation involving our children. Indeed, the basic skills needed to provide quality care to … [Read more...] about No One Is Born Knowing How to Parent…But It Can Be Learned!
The Bite That Didn’t Have to Happen
© Blog First Steps, IDB’s Social Protection and Health Division by Nancy Elias News outlets around the world have blasted Uruguayan soccer player Luis Suárez’s lack of self-control. He was suspended by FIFA for having bitten an opponent during a World Cup match. Does this behavior say something about his childhood? … [Read more...] about The Bite That Didn’t Have to Happen
Who Knows Best When It Comes to Child Care, Moms or Dads?
© Blog First Steps, IDB’s Social Protection and Health Division by Patricia Jara During a visit in which I accompanied a foreign delegation on a tour of health centers using the Chile Crece Contigo [link in Spanish] operating model, I witnessed a situation that is not all that uncommon. At a pediatrician’s office, a nurse called out, “Would Alfonso Quintanilla’s mom … [Read more...] about Who Knows Best When It Comes to Child Care, Moms or Dads?
The Invisibles: A New Study on Mexican Children
© Blog First Steps, IDB’s Social Protection and Health Division by Lucrecia Santibañez Intelligence is not a fixed attribute. Learning begins at birth, and during the first six years of life, the brain is extremely malleable. Both genetics and children’s experiences influence brain development. Experts in fields ranging from neurodevelopment to economics have concluded … [Read more...] about The Invisibles: A New Study on Mexican Children
Mexico’s Best Goal: Making a Commitment to Child Development
© 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