KUCHING: Creating a safe and nurturing environment from the earliest stages of life plays a defining role in how children grow, learn and interact with the world around them.
Consultant paediatrician, Dr Tan Jiunn Liang, said a child’s everyday environment and interactions significantly influence physical, emotional and social wellbeing.
He explained that children learn best through play, interaction and affection.
“Children can feel our love: the more we love them, the more they learn. Young children learn largely through subconscious processes rather than structured instruction,” he said during a Public Health Forum at Normah Medical Specialist Centre (NMSC) on Saturday.
Dr Tan said a safe environment contributes to healthy brain development, emotional stability and social confidence, allowing children to explore, learn and interact without fear.
He also reminded parents to be mindful of everyday household hazards, advising them to keep children out of kitchens, and carry out potentially dangerous tasks such as ironing only when children are asleep.
“When children feel secure, they are more willing to try new movements, develop problem-solving skills and build self-confidence, which are essential for long-term growth,” he said.
As part of the session, Dr Tan also conducted a live demonstration on basic life-saving measures, including how to respond if a baby is choking or experiencing a seizure.
He showed participants the correct positioning and steps to take during choking incidents, as well as appropriate actions to ensure a child’s safety during a seizure, emphasising the importance of staying calm and seeking immediate medical attention when necessary.
The forum’s second session, Nurturing Baby’s Milestones, was presented by chief physiotherapist, Caroline Petra Adriaanse, who emphasised that physical milestones develop best when babies are given opportunities to move safely and naturally.
“Milestones like sitting, crawling and standing don’t just happen on their own. Babies need space, time and the right stimulation,” she said.
Caroline encouraged parents to provide ample floor time to help strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination.
“Floor time allows babies to explore movement and build strength in their own way, which is very important for long-term motor development. Guided play and supervised exploration are beneficial for young children,” she said.
The Public Health Forum was organised by Normah Medical Specialist Centre as part of its ongoing efforts to promote preventive healthcare and public awareness on early childhood development.
