Young Children Develop in an Environment of Relationships

Author: National Scientific Council on the Developing Child
Publisher: National Scientific Council on the Developing Child
Publication Date: 2004, Summer
Full text available online at: http://www.developingchild.net/pubs/wp/Young_Children_Environment_Relationships.pdf

Abstract (written by WestEd)

This paper emphasizes the centrality of relationships to a child's growth and development. It enumerates scientific findings about children's interactions with their mothers, other family members, other children, caregivers, and kindergarten teachers, and refutes widely held unfounded assumptions. The report points out that child and family policy does not reflect the impact of relationships on the development of children's brains. Finally, it prescribes the following implications for policy and practice:

1. Include in the definition of school readiness a child's ability to form relationships and get along with others.


2. Create learning experiences for young children that are relational and interactive.


3. Extend the length and coverage of leave currently provided under the Family and Medical Leave Act to provide time and economic security for parents to develop nurturing relationships with their children.


4. Develop thoughtful policy that takes into account the emerging data about the possible negative impact on children and society of limited maternal care and long-term out-of-home care.


5. Evaluate and treat child abuse or neglect as a matter of child health and development within the context of a family relationship crisis.