Why Is Child Development Important?

The period of early childhood development is arguably the most important period of life. In order to
reach their full potential, children need appropriate support from families, education and healthcare
professionals during this period.
The importance of child development

The first three years after birth are one of rapid growth and development, as a child’s brain
creates complex neural pathways at an unprecedented speed. By age six, the brain has developed to
90% of its adult size, as children continue to absorb a staggering amount of information from their
experiences and environment. These early experiences, both good and bad, lay the foundation for a
child’s future survival, growth, health and wellbeing. Research has consistently shown that good early
childhood development will have a direct positive impact on a child’s long-term health outcomes and
will improve future opportunities, school attainment and even earning potential. Particularly
important is the impact of this period on a child’s emotional and social development, which is vital
for their future confidence, communication, relationships, community inclusion and mental health.
Early childhood development is a period of great opportunity, but also one of great
vulnerability. Many children cannot realise their full potential because of adverse conditions in their
environment. For example, evidence from Pakistan showed that children who receive little sensory
stimulation in their rural homes are vulnerable to stunting, low-weight and decreased psychomotor
development. Factors like inadequate nutrition, environmental toxins, unstable caregiving, limited
stimulation and stress can all negatively impact on a child’s development. Children living in poverty
and fragile living conditions, such as war or displacement, are particularly vulnerable to inadequate
development. These adverse childhood experiences may also cluster and be compounded over time.
For instance, a child living in poverty is more likely to experience stress, malnutrition and unstable
caregiving, all of which negatively impact on child development.
Adverse effects to child development in the first years of life can have life-long consequences
and can negatively impact on school readiness and learning potential, mental and physical health as
an adult, resilience to stress and resolving conflict, as well as depleted family resources and inter-
generational poverty. However, recovery is possible with appropriate intervention and support.
Investment in child development policies and programmes will result in long-term returns, as
children with adequate support in their early years are healthier, better educated and more likely to
contribute to society and the global economy.
Survive, Thrive, Transform

The global child health sector recognises the importance of early child development, and has
shifted its focus to highlight that it is no longer enough for a child to simply survive, children have
the right to thrive. When children are supported to thrive, we can see long-term, transformational
change across our global society, as they are better educated, less poor and so on.

“Commitment to early childhood development can be the catalyst to enable children to thrive, and
thereby transform health and human potential” – World Health Organisation: Survive, Thrive,
Transform
Additionally, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), and most
national laws, emphasise that all children have the right to live in a secure, loving environment, free
from harm, abuse and discrimination. Children have the right to the healthcare, nutrition and
education required to reach their full potential. Parents, family members, communities, governments
and healthcare providers need to work together to fulfil these rights.

How do we support healthy child development?

A critical factor in child development is that children receive nurturing care. Nurturing care
ensures a child’s environment is focussed on their needs, health, nutrition, safety, emotional support
and social interaction.4 Simply put, “Nurturing care is what the infant’s brain expects and depends upon
for healthy development”.
Children grow and develop best when parents give a child affection, attention and stimulation.
The World Health Organisation’s Nurturing Care Framework 11 asks that parents monitor and
promote child development by focusing on five key areas:

1. Good Health: Parents should encourage good health by protecting the child from household and
environmental danger, adopting good hygiene practices, and using promotive, preventive and
curative healthcare services. Parents should also protect the child’s emotional state by responding
affectionately and appropriately to their child’s needs.
2. Adequate Nutrition: Essential micronutrients are needed for a child’s brain and body to develop,
both during a mother’s pregnancy and in the early period after birth. Essential nutrients may include
proteins and fats to help the body grow and vitamin A to build the child’s immune system.
3. Responsive Caregiving: Observation and response to a child’s physical, psychological and
emotional needs is important for a child’s health, learning and social relationships.
4. Security and Safety: Young children are incredibly vulnerable to numerous threats within their
environment. Children who are not made to feel safe and secure by a parent can withdraw socially
and act fearful of adults and other children.
5. Opportunities for Early Learning: Learning begins from birth, not just when a child starts to
attend nursery, pre-school or school. This early learning will help a child develop motor coordination,
social competence, resilience, creativity and learning potential. Opportunities for early learning are
promoted through play, communication and stimulation from other children and adults.
 Although often considered a frivolous activity, play is an integral component of a child’s
development. Simply put, play is learning. Play can involve all of a child’s senses (sight, hearing,
smell, touch, taste), and through play, children develop a number of skills, including problem-solving,
creativity, expression of emotions and socialisation. Importantly, play helps a child develop self-
confidence and self-worth, by strengthening attachment with parents and caregivers.
Healthcare professionals, education and other social care providers should help parents in
the process of nurturing care and guide them in play across a diverse selection activities, including
role play, dancing, singing and drawing. A variety of stimuli is important to engage a child and provide
them the opportunity to learn different skills.

Ref: WHO: Components of Nurturing Care. © World Health Organisation