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When a child's first three years are loving, it brings huge benefits. Not only for the child but for the whole of society.

Neuroscience research has now proved, beyond any doubt, that the first three years of life shape a child’s future – for good or bad – out of all proportion to the rest of childhood.

The national charity, What About The Children?, has been working since 1993 to promote a better understanding by parents, professionals and policy makers of the importance of loving care in the early years and its impact on the child’s future physical, emotional and mental development.

Emotional neglect in the first three years of life can lead to physical, mental and emotional problems, such as respiratory health problems, depression and criminal behaviours. Infants who receive responsive, loving and consistent care from the person they’re closest to (usually the mother) are more likely to develop into well-rounded adults: physically, mentally and emotionally.

By fostering a better understanding of the importance of this, What About The Children? strives to reduce the incidence of neglect of young children and ultimately ensure a healthy, responsible society.

What About The Children? has no political or religious affiliation. Our aims are supported by leading childcare experts, doctors, health professionals and politicians in the UK and abroad.

What About The Children? has links with a number of other organisations.