Journal 2025

The Wellbeing issue part 11

We need to talk about care and what parents need for a good start.

The needs of parents and caregivers of young children often go unseen and unheard in public life and policy. They face growing pressure, are overworked, and their support systems are strained or disappearing. So what can we do to better support them?

With 33 compelling contributions, the journal illustrates how everyone can play a role in shaping a more caring society and rebuilding villages of support around parents.

Guided by those already leading the way, from neuroscientists to poets, and architects to trauma specialists, this issue offers bold, practical solutions that meaningfully support mothers, fathers and other caregivers, and the children they care for.

Because when we value and celebrate care, we create ripple effects that strengthen families, communities and societies for generations.

Guest Editor:
Photo of contributor
Guest Editor: Elissa Strauss
Author and Journalist
  • Table of contents
  • Issue details
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Table of contents
Issue details

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The views expressed in Early Childhood Matters are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Van Leer Foundation. Initiatives featured are not necessarily funded by the Van Leer Foundation.

© Van Leer Foundation, 2025

Reproduction of articles by photocopying or electronic means for non-commercial purposes is permitted. However, it is requested that the author, Early Childhood Matters and the Van Leer Foundation are cited as the source of the information. Permission must be obtained to use images. ISSN 1387-9553

Cover photo: Larissa and her daughter Aylla in Boa Vista, Brazil
(Photo courtesy of Raw London/Van Leer Foundation)

This 2025 issue of Early Childhood Matters is no. 133 in the series: it continues and develops the theme of parental wellbeing explored in our 2023 journal.

Colophon

Advisory board

Photo of contributor
Michael Feigelson
CEO, Van Leer Foundation
Photo of contributor
Sarah Smith
Senior Director – Education, International Rescue Committee, New York, USA

Editors

Photo of contributor
Elissa Strauss
Author and Journalist

Design

Hallo Mondo

Portrait illustrations

Cléa Dieudonné

Section illustrations

Annelien Smet

Social & press consultant

Shaun Lavelle

Communication

Alexis Camejo

Online platform

Made for the World
Resources

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