Early Childhood Matters 2022 - The Behavioural Science Issue - Behavioural insights, ideas and action for the early years

Omschrijving

Early Childhood Matters aims to elevate key issues, spread awareness of promising solutions to support holistic child development and explore the elements needed to take those solutions to scale. It is published annually by the Bernard van Leer Foundation. The views expressed in Early Childhood Matters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Bernard van Leer Foundation. Initiatives featured are not necessarily funded by the Bernard van Leer Foundation.

What I learned about behavioural science when I became a dad

Early Childhood Matters 2022 is a unique contribution to answering the question, “How to apply behavioural science in early childhood?” It covers a wide range of topics: promoting reading to kids, teaching coaching techniques to healthcare workers, the role of new technologies in changing behaviour, the importance of humour and joy, turning public spaces into parenting places, how simplifying bureaucracy can change parents’ lives. As the CEO of the Bernard van Leer Foundation, an organisation that invests in using behavioural
science to make early childhood policies more effective, I was asked to share my own thoughts.

To write an honest article, I had to start by reflecting on my experience as a father. Why – despite spending my working hours immersed in the latest science and talking to the world’s best early years experts – did I still fail on so many occasions to parent the way I imagined I would?

What happened next? I put off writing the piece for a month, sharing a draft several weeks past my deadline. Between my paid job and my caregiving responsibilities, it’s been difficult to find the time for this kind of reflection. That’s what I told myself, but maybe there was also another reason ...

With all my knowledge about child development, I planned to be the dream partner during Melania’s pregnancy, but it was a very stressful period at work. I was physically present doing the things I was supposed to do, but my mind was constantly wandering. Combined with a difficult first trimester, my wandering mind caused a lot of tension at home. Both of our perspectives on pregnancy quickly shifted from a romanticised idyllic to embattled cohabitation. My own role went from a model 21st-century supportive partner to a preoccupied, defensive husband.