Duchess of Cambridge backs BBC's Tiny Happy People scheme
by Laura DriverThe Duchess of Cambridge has teamed up with the BBC for the Tiny Happy People initiative.
Kate – who is mother to Prince George, 6, Princess Charlotte, 5 and Prince Louis, 2 – said there is “a massive gap” in the support given to parents after the first few months of a child’s life, until they start school.
The Tiny Happy People initiative is for children aged 0-4, and aims to help parents develop their children’s language skills with simple activities including free online videos and quizzes.
The basis of the idea is simple: talk to children as early as possible, because 90% of the adult brain is formed by the time a child is 5.
This lack of support was something she also felt as a new mum, the Royal told BBC Breakfast. We have previously heard of the Royal’s own struggles as a new mum, as well as the pressures royal life brought.
“I think it is really hard, there is so much focus during pregnancy and when you have just got a newborn baby on the physical development of your baby and you as a mother,” Catherine told BBC’s Louise Minchin. “But what I really think is missing and what I have found is the support for how to develop their social and emotional development. How do you interact with a newborn baby, what is it you should be doing?” the Duchess said speaking of the general focus on physical development. “In the first few months, there is often huge support from the midwives and health visitors and things. But from then onwards there is a massive gap between then and when they start school. It is that bit I think you really need the support.”
Originally launched in Manchester back in October, the Duchess has been involved for several months. Kate has helped with the character and development of two animations on parenting, which form part of the website – specifically about making eye contact with babies and singing to them.
Yesterday, she met families in Sandringham to hear their experience with the activities and programmes.
We also got a look into the Duchess’ home life as a mother. “My children have bottomless pits,” she said. “I feel like a constant feeding machine for them.”
Catherine also spoke of her youngest, Prince Louis, and how he ‘doesn’t understand social distancing’. “He goes out wanting to cuddle everything, particularly any babies younger than him.”
