UNICEF Pays Tribute to the Greatest Love of All – Parenting Love by Donna John

UNICEF has launched a video tribute to parenting as part of the organization’s #EarlyMomentsMatter campaign, which aims to drive increased understanding of how children’s early experiences can help influence brain development. The video features the true lives of parents from across Belize who talk honestly and openly about how they feel as caregivers. You can see the incredible impact that a parental bond and interactions have on young children and their development.

During the earliest years of life, brain cells can make up to 1,000 new connections every second – a once-in-a-lifetime speed. These connections contribute to children’s brain function and learning, and lay the foundation for their future health and happiness. A lack of nurturing care – which includes adequate nutrition, stimulation, love and protection from stress and violence – can impede the development of these critical connections.

UNICEF estimates that millions more children are spending their formative years growing up in unstimulating and unsafe environments, putting their cognitive, social and emotional development at risk. Investment in early childhood is one of the most cost effective ways of increasing the ability of all children to reach their full potential – increasing their ability to learn in school and, later, their earning capacity as adults. 

This video is over 30 seconds long, but we wanted you to see these love-filled parenting stories. Learn more about UNICEF here.