--------------------------------------------------- The Basilica Recreation Centre - Before and After Many of society's problems with our youth in the health, school, social and justice system can be traced back to their early childhood experiences. When you consider violence against women and children, sex abuse, drug abuse, family breakdown because of violence, you can usually find that those accused of these crimes were likely abused themselves as children and the circle goes round and round. There is a great deal of money spent to solve these problems but there has to be more money spent on addressing the causes and developing effective preventative measures. There has been considerable study and research done on the importance of early childhood development and how it can greatly determine the futures of our children. Dr. Fraser Mustard , world renowned in childhood development, has completed an extensive study called The Early Years Study. He clearly shows how the first six years of a child's life will determine his or her behaviour and lifestyle for the rest of his or her life. The first six years will determine how well children do in school, their good or bad eating habits, their behaviour problems in society and their overall health condition in the future. These precious years, when the brain is developing, require parents to give special care to ensure that their child is being nurtured and loved constantly. Many young parents do not realize the importance of the first six years and in some cases need help in parenting skills to be able to cope. Dr. Mustard 's vision for early child development and parenting program states: • The changing socio economic circumstances of today's society, poses a major challenge to our institutions that affects families and their children's development in the early years. • We now understand how the early brain development sets a base for learning, behaviour and health throughout life. • A society that wants to have a highly competent population for the future to cope with the demands of the emerging knowledge-based world and global economy will have to ensure that all its children have the best stimulation and nourishment during the critical early years of development, regardless of family circumstances. 69