Lost emotions; lost opportunities: impact of inadequate caregiving for children aged 0-3 years on later life outcomes in Kenya

Solomon C. J. Mumah, The Psychology Clinic, PsyHealth International
Pamela Wadende, Kisii University

Research has consistently shown that the first 1000 days of life are very important in defining a child’s adulthood. Rapid brain development experienced at this stage means that the child’s later abilities in life (i.e., cognitive, social, physical and emotional) are initiated here and that any developmental delays accrued during the period zero-to-birth may be corrected. Nonetheless, the prognosis changes after the first 1000 days when the child’s brain is highly malleable, implying that any developmental lags occurring during this period are seldom corrected in later years. This study focused on emotional development of children during the first 1000 days of life with the premise that during this period, the child bonds with care-givers and thus the basis for later emotional attachments and exhibited responses. Consequently, a good foundation ensures healthy emotional behavior in adult years and vice-versa.