LETTER OF THE DAY - Parents as children's first educators
published: Wednesday | June 21, 2006

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THE WEEK of April 24 was Reading Week. The reading habit is easier and better to cultivate in early childhood for more than one reason. In a British cohort study, 'Whether your mother read to you in the first three years of life' was found to be one of three best predictors of health at age 35 to 45. The other two major predictors were 'birth weight' and 'height at age 7'.

Your mother reading to you before you were four years old will determine your overall health status (especially your psychological health) as an adult. This may sound a little abstract but it is about warmth, attachment, positive interaction and interest. While reading helps to foster a stronger attachment or bond, competing activities such as TV and electronic games do not do so (during early childhood). Parents are their children's first educators, whether they realise it or not. Moreover, early childhood is the period for rapid brain development when psychosocial and intellectual pathways are formed.

Even 'illiterate' mothers or parents need to be encouraged to "read" to their toddlers and pre-schoolers, since they can still buy appropriate books for them and show some interest in their learning how to read. It is mainly about involvement and warmth. In these days of increased risk for behavioural and emotional disorders, we have to find all ways to protect our children! Reading to young under-four children is protective. Good old-time bedtime stories should not be sacrificed on the altar of convenience. Mothers should read to, and pray with their little ones.

I am, etc.,

DOROTHY AKINDELE

Doctor of Public Health

dakindele@utech.edu.jm

Lecturer, UTech