Center on the Developing Child

Watch the following video from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University about neglect and answer the questions below one by one.


1- Why should everyone in a community have a vested interest in everyone else’s children?

2- What is neglect for children?

3- Give an example of ‘serve and return’ interaction.

4- What happens when a baby is not attended to?

5- What is a benefit of occasional inattention?

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?

7- In what types of situations do you usually see severe neglect? Why?

8- What can be done to change a child’s developmental path or trajectory? Please provide an example.

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Sample Answer

 

 

Based on the video you linked from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University about neglect, here are the answers to your questions:

  1. Why should everyone in a community have a vested interest in everyone else’s children?

The video highlights the importance of brain development during early childhood. Since healthy development benefits everyone in the community, everyone has a stake in ensuring children have access to nurturing environments. Well-cared-for children are more likely to grow into healthy, productive adults, contributing positively to society.

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

  1. What is neglect for children?

Neglect is the failure to provide for a child’s basic physical and emotional needs. This can include lack of adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, supervision, and emotional attention.

  1. Give an example of ‘serve and return’ interaction.

“Serve and return” refers to the back-and-forth communication essential for healthy brain development. An example: A baby coos, the caregiver smiles and coos back (serve), the baby coos again in response (return). This interaction strengthens neural connections in the baby’s brain.

  1. What happens when a baby is not attended to?

When a baby’s cries or attempts to interact are consistently ignored, the stress response system is activated. This can lead to stunted brain development, social-emotional problems, and difficulty learning later in life.

  1. What is a benefit of occasional inattention?

Occasional inattention allows a baby to develop some independence and explore their surroundings. However, consistent neglect is detrimental to healthy development.

  1. Which type of unresponsive care does allow children to catch up when given enriched learning opportunities and more opportunities of ‘serve and return’ interactions?

The video suggests that neglect caused by lack of knowledge or resources might allow for some recovery with intervention. However, severe neglect with chronic abuse or emotional deprivation has a more profound and potentially permanent impact.

  1. In what types of situations do you usually see severe neglect? Why?

Severe neglect is often seen in situations of poverty, mental illness, or substance abuse in the caregiver. These challenges can make it difficult for caregivers to meet the child’s needs.

  1. What can be done to change a child’s developmental path or trajectory? Please provide an example.

Early intervention programs that provide nurturing environments, enriched learning opportunities, and “serve and return” interactions can help children who have experienced neglect to catch up on their development. For example, Head Start programs offer educational, nutritional, and social-emotional support for children from low-income families, potentially mitigating the negative effects of neglect.

Remember: This is a brief summary based on the video. You can find more information from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.

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