The earliest years of a child’s life are critical for growth, learning and long-term wellbeing. During this period, children develop rapidly, and experiences in the home and community shape their future health, education and social outcomes. Simple things like talking, singing, telling stories and playing with children can have a powerful impact on how their brains develop in this time.
Playful parenting does not require expensive toys or specialised equipment. Instead, it encourages families to use everyday experiences and any materials found locally as opportunities for learning.
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The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial – there’s growing evidence that the next 1,000 are just as important
In 2019, Zambia’s Ministry of Health, Unicef and other partners launched a playful parenting programme for parents and their infants aged 0-3 years. The programme took support directly into people’s homes in Zambia’s Eastern Province, with community-based volunteers showing parents practical ways to help their young children learn and develop through play.
