Intergenerational Forum Part II

Wow, are we excited here at Child Connection Trust!

You may remember my post a few weeks ago (Intergenerational Forum) when I mentioned attending the inaugural meeting of the Intergenerational Forum. As a result of that meeting, we now have our first project.

Before I go into the details of this new project, a bit of background. 

As I am sure you are aware, the Child Connection Trust is fundamentally concerned with the vital need for early childhood bonding - the attachment a child develops with its nearest caregiver(s). In the modern scientific world we live in, this essential need was first put forward by John Bowlby, a British psychoanalyst in the 1950s. His message was very simple: Human contact ranks alongside food and water as a physiologic need for children.

Since that time there have been many scientific studies that have backed up his claims. The obvious people at the forefront of  bonding is perceived to be Mother and Child. But father, siblings, grandparents and anyone who loves a baby and can spend time with it can create bonding.

Physical touch, breast feeding, bathing baby - there are so many ways that the bonding process can develop between them. But grandparents of all cultures form a special group of people adding a unique experience to the many strands that make up the total that is child bonding. One of these is the simple act of "just playing" with the child.

But in the modern world there can be problems. Young parents are more likely to live far away from grandparents. Secondly, and more insidious, is the emergence of the "digital world". It is just so easy to plonk the child in front of the TV or the computer. 

We feel that the art of "playing" with children is in danger of becoming lost, and as time goes on young parents will be at loss to know the many ways of playing.

So, to get back to the story, we are currently developing a new intergenerational programme called "Love Heritage". This programme is prepared for families in particular to recall, acknowledge and record games that our grandparents used to play with their children, and maybe, still play with their grandchildren.

We are now contacting different ethnic groups and asking them if they are interested in participating in this worthwhile project. It would be great if you, or someone you know, would be happy to demonstrate games that you play with your children.

If you feel you can help in any way, large or small, please let us know and we will contact you with more details.

Just leave a comment below or use the contact form on our Website.   
We are looking forward to hearing from YOU!