Molly Wright: How every child can thrive by five | TED

Translator: Edonita Bytyqi Reviewer: Helena Bedalli (Foshnja gugat) What if I told you that the game of hide-and-seek could change the world? It sounds impossible, right? I am here today to prove that it is not. Tung, I'm Molly and I'm seven years old. And this is my little friend, Ari. Say "Tung", Ari. Tung. Oh, and this is my neighbor, Amarjot. He must get Ari out now, to prepare her for the experiment. But don't worry, they will be back. My talk today is about some powerful things that you adults can do that will shape us as we transition from

child

ren to adults.

How can I know? Because my parents and the people around me make them, early and often. I know that not all

child

ren are lucky. Some of my friends, school kids and many others around the world. I really want to help change that. Thanks to scientists, we now know how important the first

five

years are for our health and development, especially for our brain. Ari began learning long before he was born from inside his mother's womb. When Ari was born, he was little and cried all the time. He was always hungry and went out a lot. (Laughter) He Now he laughs and makes funny noises.

But these are just the changes we hear and see. Much more happens inside. So let's talk more about our brain. The blue bag is the size and weight of a healthy baby's brain. Red is the baby's brain after the first year. It almost doubles its volume. And at my age, it's almost 90% of the volume of an adult brain. Our brains develop faster in our early years than at any other time in our lives. It can establish up to a million neural connections per second. But we need your help. Our healthy development depends on these

five

main things: One, connections.

Two, speaking. Three, the games. Four, a healthy home. Five, community. All of this helps our brain and us reach our full potential. So what can you do that can really make a difference? Scientists call it service and return. This is just another way of saying connect, talk and play with us. And here is the great news. Amarjot, Ari, are you ready? (Audio) Amajat: Ready? The copy game generates imagination and empathy. (Amarjoti and Ari laugh) Name games develop vocabulary and attention. Amarjot: Dad. Ariii. Dad. Ariiii. And games like hide-and-seek (yes, hide-and-seek) actually develop memory and confidence. Amarjot: Peekaboo!

Every time you talk to us, play with us, make us laugh, you not only build and strengthen our relationships and our mental health, but you also teach us some of the most important life skills, from making friends to participating in tests to find a job. , and maybe one day even start our family. Early and frequent interactions are important. Trust me, the seven-year-old here talking about brain science. (Laughs) Now let's see what happens when the link is removed. He is now trying to get his father's attention back. He lies down as if to say "That was fun, why did you stop?" (Ari cries) I know it's important for adults to use their devices sometimes, but children are born to seek meaningful connections, not getting them causes confusion and stress.

Okay, Amarjot, please log back in. Amarjot: Ah, here's Ari. (Ari laughs) What if our entire childhood was like this for the last 30 seconds? How difficult it would be for a child to feel at ease, to feel safe. Learn to trust someone. And the impact it would have for a lifetime. This makes me feel sad. Ari reacted that way and gets back into shape quickly because the bond between him and his father is usually strong. Positive relationships with the adults in our lives give children the confidence we need to try new things, explore, and be kids. So try to remember that the most special period for our development is the first five years.

Starting from inside the mother's womb. What is something very impactful that you can do? Service and return. And when? Early and often. Please give a round of applause to Amarjot and Ari. (Applause) Every moment together is an opportunity to connect, talk and play. Imagine the difference we could make if

every

one did this. For us children, it is much more than just a game. It is our future. Thank you. (Applause) See? Peekaboo really can change the world. (Applause)