We all have a role to play

We know that children need environments that are nurturing, stimulating, safe and consistent to support healthy development. Parents and caregivers play a big role and can do many things to stimulate development.

Families also require supportive environments in order to be able to meet children’s development needs. Studies show that multiple spheres of influence affect a child’s development, including caregivers outside the family, the neighbourhood environment, resources in the community, cultural and religious affiliations, and the attitudes, policies and resources provided by wider society. These spheres of influence interconnect to form both the child’s and the family’s environment.