Child's earliest stages critical - Judy Bailey

Building a better society starts in the womb, according to veteran broadcaster and Brainwave Trust trustee Judy Bailey.

Mrs Bailey was in Blenheim last night speaking at the Marlborough Convention Centre to an audience of more than 100 about the importance of the first three years of a child's life.

The time between conception and three years of age were critical for brain development and laid a template for relationships and behaviour, she said.

A child's first experience with their primary caregiver was key to their development and learning, consequences and self-esteem.

She joined the trust when it began in 1998 because years of bringing "a catalogue of disaster" into living rooms as a presenter on One News highlighted that many criminal offenders had abusive and chaotic upbringings.

"Their brains have been literally wired to fail them. You can nurture these people instead of spending billions on the justice system," she said.

"Spending so much more in the early years saves you big time down the track."

The Brainwave Trust brings scientific research about child development to parents, families and organisations so they can put it to practical use.

"For so long this information has been reserved and resided in the minds of scientists and academics," Mrs Bailey said.

"We're the first generation to have this information available to us and to ignore it will be at our peril."

The most important thing a parent or caregiver can do to help their child's development may seem simple and natural, but it does not come easily for some.

"Cuddle them, talk to them, play, sing and have fun with them – it's not rocket science."

Everyone's parenting skills were coloured by their own upbringing, she said.

Mrs Bailey was brought to Blenheim by the Marlborough branch of Educarents, which provides education and support services for parents. Branch manager Miranda McFarlane said the two charity organisations shared the same values.

The branch, which was set up about eight months ago, works with about 50 parents and children.

The Educarents charity was founded in Christchurch.

- The Marlborough Express

SIMON WONG

Last updated 13:00 18/08/2011