What kind of a future would you like to see for your child? The way parents answer this question may determine whether or not the child survives. When parents see a future for their child, they will do their best to provide the child with the care required for survival, even in circumstances where very little food is available. However, if parents are hesitant or cannot give a response to the question, the child may not survive.
The latest research on the relationship between health, nutrition and stimulation argues convincingly that an adequate food supply is not enough to assure a child's survival, neither is access to micro-nutrients, neither is education, nor absence of disease. Children's growth and development is fostered when all these variables are present, within a caring environment.
Given economic conditions worldwide, children will increasingly be born into poverty and situations which threaten their chances for optimal human growth and development. Statistics are likely to worsen as the numbers living in urban areas increase, which they will. It is estimated that a further expansion of urban slum and squatter settlements is inevitable.
Survival and healthy development cannot be achieved without significant attention to young children, from their conception through age six. The basis for good physical health and cognitive functioning in later years must be established during the early years. The dependence and rapid growth typical of infancy and early childhood make children vulnerable to a variety of health, nutritional, psychosocial and other environmental conditions. Those living in poverty are particularly at risk of poor physical and psychosocial development.
In terms of physical, intellectual, emotional and social well being, the period from conception to age 6 is the key to subsequent growth, development and ultimate productivity. Children have different needs, depending on where they are within this stage. The youngest children are completely dependent on adults. As they become toddlers, environmental cleanliness, encouragement of eating and vigilance in terms of the child's safety are of utmost importance. The pre-school child is more self-reliant and may have developed skills to obtain food for themselves and protect themselves a little from pathogens in the environment.
A wide variety of inputs (tabulated below) are required to support children's growth and development. An important thing to note is that all the inputs require someone to interact with the child. Very young children are not capable of obtaining what they need on their own. The importance of adult-child interaction is underscored by the latest research which addresses specifically the relationship between nutrition, care and development.
Inputs Required for Children’s Growth and Development
protection from physical danger
adequate nutrition
adequate health care
adults with whom to form attachments
adults who can understand and respond to their signals
things to look at, touch, hear, smell, and taste
opportunities to explore the world
appropriate language stimulation
