Stronger Together

Parenting is often described as one of the most fulfilling yet challenging roles in life. Early Childhood Matters 2025, published by the Van Leer Foundation, highlights the importance of supporting parents and caregivers to ensure optimal child development. The report explores how parent-child connections, community support, and self-care can shape a child's future.

These insights align with the Hold My Hand campaign, which advocates for a collaborative approach to child and adolescent wellbeing in South Africa. Strengthening parental support, particularly for fathers, and fostering community connections are essential strategies in breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality.

The Parent-Child Connection

One of the key themes in the report is the science of parent-child attachment. Ruth Feldman, a social neuroscientist, explains that love is not just an emotional experience but a biological force that shapes both the caregiver and the baby. Responsive caregiving—where parents attune themselves to their child’s signals—strengthens neural pathways and fosters secure attachment. This concept reinforces the Hold My Hand campaign’s focus on the importance of early childhood development as a foundation for long-term success.

Moreover, the report confirms that fathers experience significant hormonal and neurological changes when they actively participate in childcare. Darby Saxbe’s research on "Dad Brain" reveals that involved fathers develop the same hormonal responses as mothers, leading to increased bonding and caregiving instincts. However, the lack of structured support systems for fathers often results in isolation and stress.

In South Africa, where absent fathers are a major social challenge, recognising and encouraging paternal involvement is critical and increasingly recognised as a vital component of child development. The upcoming State of South Africa’s Fathers 2024 Report (launching on 4 February 2024) provides key insights into the challenges and progress in paternal engagement. The report, supported by organisations like Sonke Gender Justice and MenCare, highlights how father-inclusive policies and support networks can help address the crisis of absent fathers in South Africa. This research reinforces the Hold My Hand campaign’s efforts to create spaces where fathers feel encouraged and equipped to take an active role in parenting.

For further reading on the State of South Africa’s Fathers Report and projects like these, visit Sonke Gender Justice (2021 edition) and MenCare.

Rebuilding the “Village” of Support

Parenting is not meant to be a solo journey. The Early Childhood Matters report highlights global initiatives that rebuild the community networks that traditionally supported families. From coffee groups reducing maternal mortality to intergenerational housing models that foster social cohesion, these interventions demonstrate the power of collective care.

One example is the creation of Daddy’s Place in Rotterdam—a space where fathers can openly discuss their parenting experiences and seek advice.

The Hold My Hand campaign can draw from these models to create community-driven support systems in urban and rural areas, ensuring that every caregiver—mother, father, or guardian—has access to resources and networks that empower them. Hold My Hand wants to exemplify the power of collective care through initiatives like the Usapho Foundation. This foundation facilitates positive parenting, fatherhood and teenage parenting coaching, violence prevention, and psycho-social services, fostering a supportive community for families.

The South African Parenting Programme Implementers Network (SAPPIN) is also a great initiative that brings together stakeholders working in parenting support. This aligns with the vision of collective care, ensuring parents and caregivers have access to the necessary resources, training, and peer networks. SAPPIN serves as a platform for knowledge-sharing and coordination among organisations focused on parenting, making it a key player in fostering stronger, community-driven support systems.

Such community-driven efforts align with global practices that rebuild traditional support networks, demonstrating the effectiveness of collective care in strengthening families.

‍Self-Care for Parents

A powerful theme in the report is the idea that caregivers must care for themselves in order to provide the best for their children. The emotional toll of parenting, especially in high-stress environments, can lead to burnout. Studies in the report show that parental stress directly affects child development, making self-care an essential part of the parenting equation.

The Hold My Hand campaign advocates for parental mental health support, workplace policies that accommodate caregiving responsibilities, and community-based initiatives that provide relief for overwhelmed parents.

Why This Matters for South Africa?

The Early Childhood Matters report is a timely resource for South Africa’s efforts to improve child and adolescent wellbeing. The Hold My Hand campaign already aligns with many of its findings—emphasising the need for government, civil society, and private sector collaboration to create a holistic support system for families.

By integrating these insights, South Africa can take a significant step towards ensuring that every child has the strong, loving, and well-supported start they deserve. Whether through father-friendly policies, community networks, or self-care initiatives, the goal remains the same: empowering parents to build a better future for their children.