In a recent article in The New York Times, Nicholas Kristof reported on a landmark policy statement just issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the leading association of American pediatricians. Based on several decades of scientific research, the Academy has identified “toxic stress” as the most widespread peril facing young children. What does this mean? Exposure to high levels of toxic stress early in childhood has been shown to result in a range of poor physical, social, emotional and cognitive outcomes.
It's the time of year when we look back at the past year and make resolutions for the new one. It's no different at The Urban Child Institute, as we step back to consider what has been done for children's brain development in 2011 and what our plans will be for 2012.
Ages 1-3 are the Time of a Lifetime
January 9, 2012
It has been said that a parent is only as content as his or her least content child. In recent months, we've read several human-interest stories that prove the truth of this statement.
Gift Ideas to Ensure Lasting Happiness, Future Success for Children
December 19, 2011
While materialistic expressions of love may abound during the holiday season, a greater sense of regard for intangible life treasures such as health and happiness for the people in your life who matter most is also prevalent.
Language can Break Cycle of Poverty
December 12, 2011
To break the cycle of poverty in Memphis, we must support programs that help children develop language skills in their first three years. According to the 2011 Data Book published by The Urban Child Institute, 40 percent of children in Memphis live in poverty, compared with 20 percent nationally. These children are at risk of remaining in poverty unless they receive help developing the language skills they need to succeed academically and cope with difficult emotions.
It's never been truer than it is today that hard skills will get you an interview but soft skills will get the job for you and enable you to keep it. As with so many other individual skill sets, the foundation for these soft skills is best laid in the earliest years of a child's life. More and more, businesses don't see a college degree as a guarantee that someone has the skills for success.