Early childhood development

Whether it's throwing a ball, dancing or a game of tag, everyone knows play when they see it. Irrespective of economic background or culture, people all over the world engage in play in one form or another. Yet not everyone understands play is a biological imperative for every child. Play is how young children learn to navigate the world, and…, Why is play important?, Children learn best through play. Play creates powerful learning opportunities across all areas of development – intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Through play, children learn to forge connections with others, build a wide range of leadership skills, develop resilience, navigate relationships and social challenges as well as conquer…, What are the challenges and solutions?, Promoting safe and healthy environments for parents to engage and play with children is important for them to thrive. However, parents and caregivers may experience a lack of bandwidth and support to engage in play with their children due to various stressors, including financial, personal and professional ones. Moreover, a low awareness of the…, Call to action, Now more than ever, we need to provide parents and caregivers with the support needed to care for and play with their children. Together, we can build a world of play and connection for every child everywhere. As part of a new advocacy partnership, UNICEF and the LEGO Foundation are supporting countries around the world to increase the number of…

From the moment they are born, babies look to caregivers to help them learn, develop and thrive. Positive relationships with caregivers are vital for promoting a young child’s brain development, well-being and mental health. Whether a parent, grandparent or other caring adult, caregivers play the most important role in supporting the physical,…

When 11-year-old Kelvin* recounts his earliest memories of home, it’s a mix tape of cane lashes and emotional isolation. Living with his father and stepmother in a small local community in Nigeria meant he often felt like the scapegoat for all of the family misfortunes. He often shivered in loneliness at night in a room outside the main building…, Universal access to parenting programmes that prevent abuse and neglect, Evidence shows that parenting programmes are the most impactful way of preventing abuse and neglect. A minimum package of evidence based and low-cost parenting interventions, or ‘ parenting vaccines ’, can be delivered through home visits in early childhood with boosters through childhood and adolescence.   Trained professionals help parents learn…, Reimagining Parenting, Today UNICEF will join WHO and the UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children to call on all UN Member States to scale up a minimum package of parenting programmes which are adaptable to the local context. We will be joined by the Governments of Japan and Jamaica and Nadine Burke Harris , one of the world’s most prominent advocate on…

Dear Leo, It has been six months since you came into this world like a whirlwind, turning your dad and me into confused-but-never-been-happier parents. We were warned many times about how life would change after your arrival, but it wasn’t until that magical moment when we held you for the first time, that we could fully comprehend that your birth…