Crucial to understand needs of young children

THE ombudsman for children, Emily Logan, stated correctly (August 30) that listening to young people and learning what they actually want is an important part of promoting and safeguarding their rights.

However, in the case of children under three, this is not an option. In assessing their needs, there is a huge amount of research and data, which goes back to the early 1940s, to aid the policy makers.

This has been added to in the past 17 years by an avalanche of international studies, notably British and US government-funded explorations.

The bulk of the research indicates that children under three are too vulnerable to be left in group care by strangers. Scientists claim that babies brains develop whole new structures in response to love and affection within the first two years. If this is not given, their brains are less developed.

This is not attempt to cause stress to parents who already are under pressure to do their best by their children. It is, however, a ‘red alert’ warning to legislators and society.

Babies’ needs, therefore, require urgent understanding.

Jim Jackman

16 Park Drive Court

Castleknock

Dublin 15