Scientific research is convincing in its message that the first three years of life – from conception - can shape a child’s lifelong physical, emotional and mental development. 

Research confirms that a child’s experience in the first three years shapes its future out of all proportion to the rest of childhood. 

A secure primary attachment is the main protective factor for the developing brain.

When a child’s first three years are right, there are huge benefits - not just for that child, but for the whole of society

Science and Research Group: summaries

What About The Children? through the work of its Science and Research Group, makes available summaries of the most up-to-the-minute research. These summaries regularly appear on our website. They provide crucial insights into early life experience. 

The summaries are categorised into 7 Key Topics:

·      Pregnancy and Birth 

·      Attachment

·      Quality of parent/infant interaction

·      ‘It lasts a lifetime…’ – critical health implications of early experience 

·      Stress - causes and consequences

·      Childcare

·      The Infant Brain; Epigenetics

For parents, and parents-to-be, we strongly recommend accessing the summaries for vital information, most especially concerning the critical early development of your child.

For policy makers, professionals and practitioners, we strongly recommend accessing the summaries for science-informed guidance, innovation, and action on behalf of children.

What About The Children? makes available over 100 summaries of scientific research published in the Journals. Broadly these cover the topic categories listed above.

For quick reference, we have identified just a small number of research references for each topic; however, these are just a small selection of many. 

For further advice/information please contact Dr Carole Ulanowsky, Coordinator: Science and Research Group (ceur@btinternet.com)