Neglect by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University

Response to Questions Based on the Video on Neglect by the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University 1. Why should everyone in a community have a vested interest in everyone else's children? - Everyone in a community should have a vested interest in everyone else's children because children are the future of society. By investing in the well-being and development of all children, we can create a supportive environment that fosters healthy growth, learning, and resilience. When children thrive, the entire community benefits from a brighter and more prosperous future. 2. What is neglect for children? - Neglect for children refers to the failure to provide for their basic physical, emotional, or educational needs. This can include inadequate supervision, lack of proper nutrition, emotional unresponsiveness, or a lack of safe and stable environments that promote healthy development. 3. Give an example of 'serve and return' interaction. - An example of 'serve and return' interaction is when a caregiver responds to a baby's babbling by smiling, making eye contact, and mimicking the sounds the baby makes. This back-and-forth exchange helps build connections in the baby's brain and supports healthy development. 4. What happens when a baby is not attended to? - When a baby is not attended to, their brain development can be negatively impacted. Without responsive caregiving and nurturing interactions, the baby may experience stress, anxiety, and a lack of emotional connection, which can hinder their cognitive, social, and emotional development. 5. What is a benefit of occasional inattention? - A benefit of occasional inattention is that it allows children to develop independence and problem-solving skills. When caregivers provide opportunities for children to explore and learn on their own, it fosters autonomy and self-confidence. 6. Which type of unresponsive care does allow children to catch up when given enriched learning opportunities and more opportunities of 'serve and return' interactions? - Children who experience institutional care or less responsive care early on can catch up when provided with enriched learning opportunities and more frequent 'serve and return' interactions. These interventions can help stimulate brain development and create positive outcomes for children. 7. In what types of situations do you usually see severe neglect? Why? - Severe neglect is often observed in situations where caregivers face significant challenges such as poverty, substance abuse, mental health issues, or social isolation. These factors can hinder caregivers' ability to meet their children's needs consistently, leading to severe neglect. 8. What can be done to change a child's developmental path or trajectory? Please provide an example - To change a child's developmental path or trajectory, early intervention programs and supportive services can play a crucial role. For example, providing parenting education, access to quality healthcare, mental health support for caregivers, and creating safe and nurturing environments can help mitigate the effects of neglect and promote healthy development in children.    

Sample Answer