First 6 years crucial for child’s growth: Expert

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, February 26

Dr Vibha Krishnamurthy, a development paediatrician, said the first six years in a child’s life were the most critical for the growth of brain.

She stated this while delivering a talk on ‘Building a child’s brain’ as part of the distinguished lecture series on education and inclusion, organised by the Latika Roy Foundation.

Dr Vibha emphasised the need to invest as much as one could in the first six years of a child’s life. “By providing a stimulating environment, the adults can hope for better and positive outcomes in terms of health and the over-all development of a child into a well-rounded adult,” she said.

A stimulating environment could be created for a child by including things that invoke his curiosity and interest. “We can change mind and we must use that to change our parenting and teaching styles to help all our children,” the paediatrician added.

Over 200 people attended the lecture, including representatives from NGOs, ICDS department and residents.