In a new op-ed, Kate Middleton advocates for early childhood development.
In an op-ed published Friday by The Telegraph, the Princess of Wales emphasized the importance of nurturing children during their first five years of life.
She began:
“Over the past 10 years, talking to a wide range of experts about how we deal with societal issues like poor mental and physical health, I have become more and more sure of one thing: if we are going to create a healthier and happier society for future generations, we must start by understanding and acknowledging the unique importance of the first five years of life.”
Middleton explained that during the “most preventative years,” people form core foundations that shape how they thrive as adults. She stated that the evidence for this has “grown significantly” over the years.
She wrote:
“We now know that in the first five years of our lives, our brains develop faster than at any other time and that the impact of those years is hugely significant. It is the way we develop through our experiences, relationships and interactions at that very young age that shapes everything from our ability to form relationships and succeed at work, to our mental and physical health as adults.”
Middleton stated that these are some of the reasons why everyone should “recognize the unique potential of early childhood and build a safe and loving world around a child.”
She went on to say that “not enough is being done,” citing homelessness, violence, and addiction as factors that contribute to poor mental health.
She wrote:
“We have an incredible opportunity. Armed with all we now know as a result of the work of dedicated scientists, researchers and practitioners, to make a huge difference to the mental and physical health of generations to come.”
Middleton concluded:
“That is why I am determined to continue to shine a light on this issue and to do everything I can to secure much greater focus on those first crucial few years for the youngest members of our society – they are, after all, our future.”
Middleton has long advocated for mental health, specifically for children through her nonprofit Place2Be. She also provided mental health resources and support to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Middleton visited Denmark earlier this year as part of her research on early childhood development. She met and learned from world-renowned researchers at the helm of the Copenhagen Infant Mental Health Project, which “aims to promote the mental well-being of parents and their children – and the relationship between them.”
The Princess of Wales announced on Instagram months before her royal visit to Denmark that she chose the country because “Denmark is a beacon of best practice in its approach to the early years which values the roles of parents.”
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