All articles tagged with #early childhood
Originally Published 2 days ago — by The Washington Post
Recent research indicates a significant increase in screen time among children under 2 years old, raising concerns among experts about the potential impacts on early development.
Originally Published 11 days ago — by BBC
The article explores how disparities in early childhood support, such as access to childcare, parental leave, and green spaces, influenced by postcode and employment status, impact children's development and long-term outcomes in Britain, highlighting the need for more equitable policies.
Originally Published 3 months ago — by BBC
The Princess of Wales warns that excessive screen time and digital distractions are causing an epidemic of disconnection in families, undermining meaningful relationships and impacting children's social and emotional development, emphasizing the need for healthier digital habits to foster stronger family bonds.
Originally Published 5 months ago — by NDTV
A study using brain scans shows that babies as young as four months can form memories, with older infants demonstrating more complex memory activity, challenging previous beliefs about early memory capabilities and opening new avenues for understanding human development.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Tatler
Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has been seen publicly for the first time since revealing her cancer diagnosis. Prince William is prioritizing her recovery and supporting their children, while the royal family emphasizes the need for privacy and time for her recuperation. Despite her illness, Kate has remained involved in her Early Childhood initiatives, including a new report and several new programs. She is not expected to return to royal duties until at least autumn.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by BBC.com
Introducing smooth peanut butter to babies and continuing through early childhood can significantly reduce the risk of developing peanut allergies, according to research from King's College London. The study found that children who consumed peanut products up to age five were 71% less likely to develop an allergy, with the protection lasting into adolescence. This approach contrasts with previous advice to avoid peanuts, highlighting the importance of early exposure for immune system development.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by E! NEWS
Kate Middleton has returned to her royal duties from home following her abdominal surgery in January, staying involved in a U.K. study commissioned by her Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood. The study tested a new baby behavior observation tool and reported "overwhelmingly positive" findings. Kate's passion for children's research and philanthropy is evident, as she launched the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood in 2021. Despite her recovery, she has seemingly made occasional public appearances, and a recent family photo released by Kensington Palace prompted her to issue a rare statement after it was criticized and removed from major news and photo agencies' databases.
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Neuroscience News
A new study explores the genetic basis of language development in early childhood and its impact on later cognitive abilities and neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD and ASD. The research identifies genetic factors influencing vocabulary size in infancy and toddlerhood, linking these influences to later literacy, cognition, and ADHD symptoms. The study reveals a developmental shift in the genetic associations with ADHD symptoms, indicating a complex role of genetics in language development and neurodevelopmental outcomes. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding early linguistic development as a predictor of future mental health and cognitive abilities, highlighting the need for tailored interventions based on children's genetic predispositions.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
Kate Middleton visited a baby bank in Barnet, north London, as part of an initiative by The Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood to support families with young children during the Christmas season. The Princess of Wales helped stack shelves with books and toys, highlighting the importance of early years development. The visit coincided with the launch of her "Shaping Us" campaign, which focuses on the impact of childhood experiences on adult lives. Baby banks, like the one she visited, provide essential items to families in need, and the visit aimed to raise awareness about their crucial work.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by PsyPost
A study involving over 10,000 children has highlighted the significance of nurturing warm and close relationships between parents and children in their early years. The research found that such relationships not only promote prosocial behavior in children but also protect against mental health difficulties as they grow. The study suggests that high-quality parent-child interactions, characterized by increased closeness and reduced conflict, are significant protective factors against mental health symptoms while fostering increased prosociality. On the other hand, physical and psychological maltreatment in parent-child relationships had detrimental effects, leading to greater mental health difficulties and reduced prosociality in children.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Neuroscience News
A small exploratory study has found associations between specific gut microbes in infants and their performance in tests of early cognitive development. The study analyzed data from 56 infants and revealed that certain microbiome compositions were linked to success in cognitive tests such as social attention and rhythmic processing. However, no connection was found between the microbiome and brain blood flow during speech processing. While these findings suggest a potential influence of the microbiome on cognitive development, further research is needed to confirm and clarify this role.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Big Think
A study led by Laia Fibla at Concordia University has examined how language environment and socioeconomic status (SES) impact the development of the brain's white matter tracts during early childhood. The research found that children from families with higher SES scores had more exposure to adult words, and this was positively correlated with higher concentrations of myelin in language-related white matter tracts. The study highlights the importance of early language input in shaping the development of language circuitry in the brain.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
The Princess of Wales has launched a business taskforce on early childhood, urging business leaders to prioritize wellbeing in the workplace to support family life. The taskforce includes global firms such as Unilever, Ikea, NatWest, and Lego, and aims to encourage firms across the country to train and help staff maintain their social and emotional welfare. The Princess rewore a smart white Alexander McQueen blazer for the occasion, which she paired with black trousers and stiletto heels. The taskforce will produce a set of broad principles that could be adopted by businesses wanting to help promote wellbeing in the workplace.