The importance of child development

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.¹⁰
“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, Transform¹⁰
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”.¹¹
Children grow and develop best when parents give a child affection, attention and stimulation. The World Health Organisation’s Nurturing Care Framework¹¹ 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.