Parents who believe their children can have a better future are more likely to read and play with them – South African study

By Kendra Thomas, Associate Professor of Psychology, Hope College

Every day, a small group of women make their way through the community of Sweetwaters, near the South African city of Pietermaritzburg, with bags of toys and books. They work as home mentors supporting families who signed up for an early childhood development intervention. They swap puzzles and stories and provide resourceful activities for children and caregivers. Even the older siblings often sit and join the stories and games.

An estimated 40% of homes…

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