The early bird...Developing children

Anyone familiar with the old Irish phrase ‘mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí’ (encourage the young by praising them) will not be surprised by the findings of a Dublin study that showed that early intervention in a child’s life and education “dramatically” improves the development of children and their IQ.

If that was not reward enough for engaging with toddlers earlier than we traditionally do, the survey also found that early interaction meant that young people given that opportunity are less likely to be overweight and had fewer behavioural problems. In other words, they were happier, better adjusted, and seem to have a better opportunity to realise their potential and make the very most of their talents.

This study is welcome and it will add to the impression that we need to reimagine how we stimulate and socialise our young children. The results show what a positive impact early intervention can have and suggest that we are selling our children, and society, short by not making such a process normal and available to every Irish child.