“Good Nutrition is the foundation of a child’s survival, health, and development”.
Good nutrition starts during the first 1000 days, otherwise known as the period during conception up to 2 years of a child’s age. A child’s optimal nutrition is essential to fuel their brain growth and development, as this would be instrumental in building and strengthening their motor skills, social, and emotional development. Once fully established, this may increase the likelihood of a child to be successful in school and eventually, in their adult life.
In other words, exposure of the mother to different nutrition disadvantages, such as being hungry and exposed to stress, may pose lifelong negative effects on the child’s health; not to mention its effect on their physical health as well. Once the mother is exposed to prolonged stress, this may cause health problems in the future, like heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes (The First 1,000 Days, 2019). So to say, I believe that the first 1000 days should set a stage for a lifetime of healthy nutrition patterns to ensure the support for the growth of a child’s metabolism, immune system, and organ development.
Aside from good nutrition, I also think that strengthening bonding activities such as playing, singing, reading, or simply talking to your child are all significant ways to make them feel secure and loved that will also aid in their survival, health, and development.
Reference:
The first 1,000 days. (2019, December). Pregnancy Birth and Baby. https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/the-first-1000-days#:%7E:text=A%20baby%27s%20brain%20develops%20more,the%20baby%20will%20grow%20into.