Author: Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Christelle Langley, Jianfeng Feng, Yun-Jun Sun
Author title: 
Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Cambridge, UK 
Christelle Langley, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, UK 
Jianfeng Feng, Professor of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China 
Yun-Jun Sun, Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China 
Description: Researchers have noted that ‘economic hardship diminishes parents’ ability to interact with and socialize children in ways that are beneficial to their well-being’ (Guo & Harris, 2000:431). Heckman (2006) noted that children’s emotional and social development is tied to their family circumstances and determined well before they enter school. One of the tasks of practitioners working in the first 1000 days is to explain to all parents, and especially those living with financial disadvantage, that reading to their babies and toddlers is one of the best kinds of play, and supports the development of language, of social understanding and of fine motor skills. Parents with low literacy can be encouraged to talk about the pictures in their children’s books, making up their own stories. There are many sources of free or inexpensive books (libraries, charity shops, The Book Trust) where parents can find age-appropriate material for their children. (Editor’s note)

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