HEALTHY CHILD DEVELOPMENT

It is no secret to most people that a happy child is a healthy child. Children thrive in loving, caring homes where they are encouraged to learn and explore their world. Research shows that healthy, happy babies have the best chance of growing up to be healthy adults.

The time before a child is born and up to five years of age is the most important period in a child's development. During this time children learn important skills that they will use throughout their lives.

The first five years is also a time when children learn personal health practises that set the foundation for the choices they will make as they grow older. For example, healthy eating habits are learned in childhood. Active children usually come from homes where parents are active. And children of parents who smoke are more likely to become smokers themselves.

What can you do?

Think about your role as a parent, caregiver, or role model for children and then ask:

• How can I give my children the best possible start in life?
• What healthy practices, good or bad, am I passing on to my children?
• What can I do to help my children in my community get a good start in life?

Think about the children in your community and then ask:

• Do all children in our community have an equal chance for healthy growth and development?
• What can we do to ensure a more level playing field for all children?