Dr Patricia Britto
By Dr Patricia Britto
Education, Child & Adolescent Psychologist
As a registered educational psychologist and a mother, I’ve seen and experienced firsthand how the earliest moments of a child’s life can shape their future.
A child is at the centre of every family - loved, nurtured, and celebrated. In many Black African and Caribbean traditions, children are raised with the belief that “it takes a village to raise a child.” This sense of community, storytelling, and shared experiences plays a crucial role in a child’s early development.
90% of a child’s brain growth happens by the age of five, shaping their ability to think, communicate, and connect with the world around them. It’s in these early years that strong foundations are laid, and as parents, every small interaction - from a gentle smile or cuddle to a bedtime story - can have a lasting impact.
90% of a child’s brain growth happens by the age of five
You don’t need to buy lots of toys or have big days out to help your child develop. The best learning happens naturally through daily interactions. Talking, playing, and even involving your child in everyday tasks like cooking or shopping, help them build essential life skills and get the right start at school.
Our culture can play a vital role in a child’s growth – here are some examples:
- Storytelling: Such as folktales from the Caribbean or African proverbs, teaching children about history, language, and moral lessons.
- Music and Dance: Singing, moving to Afrobeats, or dancing to reggae helps develop rhythm, coordination, and confidence.
- Cooking Together: Preparing Jollof Rice or Ackee and Saltfish introduces children to counting, measuring, and sequencing skills.
- Hair Braiding and Grooming: Learning to braid or style hair teaches patience, creativity, and cultural pride.
- Celebrations: Whether it's a vibrant Notting Hill Carnival or a traditional African naming ceremony, these moments help children build social and emotional skills.
Top Tips for Supporting Development
- Take It Slow: Give your child time to process and explore at their own pace.
- Chat Back and Forth: Even baby babbling deserves a response - it encourages language development.
- Experience Little Moments Together: Describe what you see, touch, and smell while cooking or taking a walk.
- Be Curious Together: Ask, “What do you think will happen next?” or “How do you feel about that?”
- Be Creative Together: Encourage pretend play, make up songs, or act out stories together.
Start for Life: A Valuable and Practical Guide for Parents
The Start for Life website offers easy-to-follow advice tailored to busy parents. Whether you're looking for speech development ideas, interactive play tips, or guidance on building confidence, it’s a great resource to explore.
The early years are about more than just learning milestones - they’re about creating meaningful connections. Through play, conversation, and cultural traditions, every interaction leaves a lasting impact.
Visit https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/ for inspiration and guidance on making the most of these vital years.
Load Them Up - NHS Start For Life
A Parent’s Perspective:
Chaneen Saliee, Teacher and Mother of Two, recently voted #1 Mum on Bauer Media's Mother and Baby the Mum List, says: "The Start for Life website has been so useful for me. It has so many easy and practical ideas of things I can do with my children that fit into our daily lives, without any extra planning. The school run, the weekly shop, or even sorting the laundry become important little moments together with my children that help them develop. The Start for Life website has been like a little assistant or guide reminding me that the things we're already doing can have a huge impact in our children’s lives.”