Why a baby's early care is so important

Through the interplay of the developing brain with the environment during the nine months of gestation and the first two years after birth, the core of an individual's ability to think, feel, and relate to others is formed. Violent behaviour often begins to take root during those 33 months as a result of chronic stress, such as child abuse and neglect.

What is worse, poor treatment of a baby may lead to the permanent loss or impairment of key protective factors -- such as intelligence, trust, and empathy -- that enable many children to survive and even overcome difficult family circumstances and later difficulties.

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