Ideas worth spreading

How every child can thrive by five

9,466,807 views | Molly Wright • TED and Minderoo Foundation

"What if I was to tell you that a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?" asks seven-year-old Molly Wright, one of the youngest-ever TED speakers. Breaking down the research-backed ways parents and caregivers can support children's healthy brain development, Wright highlights the benefits of play on lifelong learning, behavior and well-being, sharing effective strategies to help all kids thrive by the age of five. She's joined onstage by one-year-old Ari and his dad, Amarjot, who help illustrate her big ideas about brain science. (This TED Talk was produced in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation as an educational tool for parents and caregivers around the world and is supported by UNICEF.)

"What if I was to tell you that a game of peek-a-boo could change the world?" asks seven-year-old Molly Wright, one of the youngest-ever TED speakers. Breaking down the research-backed ways parents and caregivers can support children's healthy brain development, Wright highlights the benefits of play on lifelong learning, behavior and well-being, sharing effective strategies to help all kids thrive by the age of five. She's joined onstage by one-year-old Ari and his dad, Amarjot, who help illustrate her big ideas about brain science. (This TED Talk was produced in collaboration with Minderoo Foundation as an educational tool for parents and caregivers around the world and is supported by UNICEF.)

About the speaker

Molly Wright

See speaker profile

Molly Wright, a student from Queensland, Australia, is a passionate advocate for early childhood development. At just seven years old, she's one of the youngest people ever to give a TED Talk.

Center on the Developing Child at Harvard, 2011 | Watch

"Three Core Concepts in Early Development"

This is a three-part video series from the Center and the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child on how experiences build brain architecture, how serve and return interactions shape brain circuitry and how toxic stress derails healthy development.

The Brain Architects Podcast | Center on the Developing Child at Harvard, 2020 | Listen

"Serve and Return: Supporting the Foundation"

What is "serve and return"? What does it mean to have a "responsive relationship" with a child? How do responsive relationships support healthy brain development? And what can parents and caregivers do in their day-to-day lives to build these sorts of relationships? This episode of the Brain Architects podcast addresses all these questions and more.

UNICEF | Explore

"Early childhood development: For every child, early moments matter."

A collection of resources on the earliest years of life. Watch "Interacting with babies," "Why play is important" and "Babies are scientists."

Laura Mucha | UNICEF, 2021 | Article

"The science of love in childhood: Conversations with leading experts in childhood love, adversity and mental health."

The ground-breaking new series by UNICEF sets out to cover how adversity impacts us as children and the adults we become, what we can do to protect and improve young people's mental health and why safe and loving relationships are so vital for children’s health, development and well-being throughout life.

Carlota Nelson | Brain Matters, 2020 | Watch

"Brain Matters documentary | Early Childhood Development"

Brain Matters reveals that learning begins way before children go to school and that the experiences children are exposed to determine their chances for future success. Everyday situations such as play, relationships, language and nutrition are examined with a fresh scientific approach, aiming at a set of brain-boosting skills and activities that can provide every child with the opportunity to thrive.

Vroom | The Bezos Family Foundation, 2015 | Explore

"Vroom"

We believe all parents have the potential to create a bright future for their children. Our free, science-based tips and tools help parents and caregivers give children a great start in life today and an even better future.

Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson | Bantam, 2011 | Book

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind

Twelve revolutionary strategies to nurture your child's developing mind, survive everyday parenting struggles and help your family thrive.

Learn more