I read with interest the new initiative launched by Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales, “The Shaping Us Campaign” in the U.K.

I understand the objective is to invite the business community, and industry, to play their part in encouraging their employees, some of whom may be parents of young children, to be more aware of their own social and emotional sensitivities, in order for them to influence the positive social growth, and emotional development, of their young children during the first five years.

This is a commendable, and an important initiative. However, should not the focus be on the Early Years sector in particular, within the education system, to encourage parents to prepare themselves for the challenging task of raising responsible, balanced, socially and emotionally adjusted, and productive citizens, as well as to practise good citizenry?

The objective of business, and industry, in terms of human resource, is to employ suitably qualified, well rounded, and productive persons to advance its business, or industrial interests. I believe consideration may be given to formulate policies to enhance the potential of its employees in order to build competence, empathy and understanding towards each other, customers, and business partners that interact within, and with the organisation.

With the greatest of respect to Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales on her nation building initiative, highlighting the importance of The Early Years and the impact it will have on shaping the future of the U.K., I, personally doubt, that such a responsibility should be placed on the shoulders of the business, and industry, communities respectively.

The education system, regardless of what country it is in, goes through great challenges at times to emphasize on parents the importance of focusing on not only academic learning, but also the emotional and social development of their children regardless of what stage the child or children are at. Parents are constantly reminded that children live what they learn, and therefore parents should be cognisant of their own social and emotional behaviour, and be prepared to set a positive and constructive tone for their children to follow. Young children see and experience how their parents interact with others, as well as their parents’ reaction to a variety of situations. Young children notice their parents reading ability, and listen to words used in conversation along with its structure, tone, delivery, and its effect on themselves, and on other persons.

With the greatest of respect to Her Royal Highness, I do not believe that , business, and industry, are facilities to nurture and guide its employees to be better parents to their children aged five and under. This is my opinion on the issue. Others will differ. The Early Years sector in the U.K., may well appreciate a drive to encourage parents of young children to be more fully informed about The Early Years, that may lead to support in various ways from interested parties which may benefit from a future productive workforce.

I believe business, and industry will find The Shaping Us Campaign an excellent nation building initiative. I also believe the focus, direction and emphasis of the Campaign should be on the Early Years Sector, which has the professional knowledge, research, and capacity, to guide the focus of the initiative to become a long term lifetime mission.

I wish Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales every success with The Shaping Us Campaign.

Peace

Louicia