Early Childhood: Every Moment Counts From Day One
Many people believe that learning starts when a child goes to school and that caring for young children is only a mother’s job. In fact, the first years shape a child’s whole life, and every caregiver has a role to play.
What many people believe
In many communities, the early years are seen simply as a time for feeding a child and keeping them safe until they are old enough for school. Talking, singing and playing with babies is often thought unnecessary because “they do not yet understand”. Caring for young children is widely seen as the mother’s job alone, and fathers may feel it is not their place to bathe, feed or play with their children.
Why this norm is harmful
A child’s brain develops faster in the first years of life than at any other time. Children learn from the very first day through every interaction: when caregivers talk to them, respond to their cries, play with them and keep them safe from violence and stress. When young children miss out on nutrition, stimulation, love and protection, the effects can last a lifetime, affecting their health, learning and ability to earn a living as adults.
When fathers and other family members do not take part in caregiving, mothers carry the whole burden, and children miss out on the care and attention of the people around them.
The norm we promote
Every child deserves nurturing care from the very beginning, and raising young children is a shared responsibility of mothers, fathers, families and the whole community. Nurturing care means good health and nutrition, safety and protection, responsive caregiving and opportunities for early learning through play.
How BAKAID works on this
- Serving as the Regional Coordinating Unit in Kigoma for the National Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Programme (Mtoto Kwanza), which focuses on children aged 0–8 years.
- Bringing together government, health, education, social welfare, community and faith actors so that services for young children are coordinated and speak with one voice.
- Supporting the training of caregivers in responsive caregiving and promoting quality day care centres.
- Promoting positive parenting through Malezi Chanya groups, and encouraging fathers to be active and caring parents.
What you can do
- Talk, sing, read and play with young children every day, even babies.
- Respond to children with patience and love, and never use violence or harsh punishment.
- Take children to clinic for growth monitoring and vaccinations, and give them nutritious food.
- Fathers: share in feeding, bathing, playing with and caring for your children.