As we know, education has its important part to play in breaking cycles of disadvantage. But in addition to school life, Early Intervention Foundation evidence points to the quality of family relationships, and particularly that between children and parents, as the primary influence on a child’s future life chances. Other research also highlights that ‘emotional health at 16 is a stronger predictor of mental health and life chances at 30 than either demographic or socio-economic factors’.
The increasing understanding of healthy brain development also points to the relational capabilities of the adults around a child as being the most important factor in the building of a healthy brain architecture. According to the Harvard Center on the Developing Child, the very best strategy for improving outcomes for children and families is to support responsive relationships and reduce stress to build strong brains from the beginning, helping children grow up to be healthy, productive members of society.
We can understand in new ways how all children are vulnerable, as the impact of ongoing stress, neglect or abuse while growing up can last a lifetime, contributing to great human and societal costs.
Alongside other services, schools can provide protective factors for children and young people by creating and maintaining a relational culture which is informed and responsive. We need a non-stigmatising, universal approach that supports everyone from the beginning.
Supporting families
To strengthen and support a family, we have to first build relationships with the individuals in it. There seems to have been a focus on giving parents information about supporting their children’s learning, rather than understanding the need to work alongside them and empower them emotionally. Parenting is not an easy job for any of us.
For parents who themselves might have lacked responsive adults while growing up, or who are living with other particular challenges, it is likely they will need careful support and guidance if they are to be able to provide something different for their own children.