The transformative power of affection: How nurturing care shapes early childhood development in Guatemala

Early childhood is a critical window of opportunity, one that defines a child’s developmental path and future potential. In Guatemala, a national movement is showing how simple, nurturing actions, talking, hugging, playing, can significantly boost early childhood development (ECD). Supported by UNICEF, local programs are equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to turn affection into a foundational tool for growth.

Young children need more than food and healthcare. Responsive caregiving, characterised by love, protection, and early learning opportunities, is essential for healthy development. Neuroscience shows that during the first years of life, over one million new neural connections are formed every second. These early interactions influence brain architecture and shape a child’s physical, cognitive and emotional trajectory.

This evidence forms the basis of the Nurturing Care Framework, which outlines five interconnected components of development: health, nutrition, security and safety, responsive caregiving, and opportunities for early learning. Together, they underscore the power of affection and everyday interaction in building a strong developmental foundation.

In rural Guatemala, initiatives like UNICEF’s Acompáñame a Crecer (“Come Grow with Me”) are helping parents turn small acts of love into big developmental gains. In Chisec, Alta Verapaz, fathers like Adolfo Chen participate in structured play sessions, stacking containers, sharing stories, and laughing with their children. These moments, though simple, are shown to stimulate brain growth and foster a secure emotional environment.

Workshops and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, known as CECODIIs, are spreading this message throughout the country. In 2024 alone, 276 new CECODIIs were established in Alta Verapaz and Chiquimula, supporting nearly 20,000 families across 180 communities.

While the value of nurturing care is well established, showing affection is not always straightforward. Cultural traditions and economic pressures can limit caregivers’ ability to engage meaningfully with young children. In the Mayan Highlands, affection has traditionally been expressed through provision, not physical touch or spoken emotion.

But change is taking root. Parents like Edna, from Carchá, are discovering new ways to express love. Reflecting on her own upbringing, Edna recalled, “My father didn’t play, didn’t hug or kiss.” Through engagement with CECODII centres, families are learning to blend tradition with new practices that support their children’s emotional and cognitive development.

A key feature of the Acompáñame a Crecer program is its volunteer-led model. Trained local educators run the CECODII centres, delivering short, joyful sessions that caregivers can replicate at home. By 2024, the program had expanded to 1,500 CECODIIs, benefiting over 61,000 children and more than 52,500 families nationwide.

This investment in ECD is delivering long-term returns. Children nurtured through consistent love and care exhibit stronger school readiness, better health outcomes, and greater resilience. These benefits extend into adulthood, improving productivity, wellbeing and civic participation. Crucially, ECD programs like these are helping to break intergenerational cycles of poverty and reduce pressure on public services.

With early childhood now declared a national priority in Guatemala, government institutions are stepping in to embed and scale these initiatives. In 2023, 500 of 529 existing CECODIIs and their staff were transferred to the Ministry of Education. This move ensures sustainable access to quality ECD services for more than 13,000 children.

A new national ECD policy is on the horizon, one that promises to institutionalise nurturing care as a right for all children. Guatemala’s journey offers a compelling case study in how affection, backed by science and policy, can transform futures from the very beginning.

Source: Adapted from UNICEF reporting via Forbes.