Young children and babies live their lives intensely in the present. To grow and develop, they need an immediate and loving, secure and responsive relationship with the adults who nurture them. While the eyes of the infant and very young child may be only for the mother or primary caregiver, their world is influenced by a much larger context: the social, cultural, extended family and economic life into which they have been born. The lives of infants and young children are affected by the decisions we make at all levels - family, community and government.
Significant research in the past decade has confirmed what early childhood experts have long believed – that these early years of life are critical to development and have vital implications for wellbeing right through adulthood.
Our ability to live life to the fullest – to love and care for others, to achieve our goals in work, leisure and family life – is bound up with our experience in the early years.
Given such evidence, it is clear that investment in the early years will pay off for all of us. It is critical to our children’s lives, and to their families, but also to the future productivity of Australia.
What about the kids? NSW Commissioner for Children and Young People, Queensland Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian, NIFTeY.