MAHM at the House of Lords: Foundation for the Future
Leading childhood development experts are raising concerns at an international conference in London this week over the unintended consequences of childcare policies in Finland and Denmark, warning that the UK is heading in a similar direction.
As economic and political pressures push parents into full-time employment and prioritise early out-of-home daycare, they caution that these policies risk undermining children’s emotional well-being, secure relationships and holistic development.
The Foundation for the Future conference, convened by the European Federation of Parents & Carers at Home (FEFAF) and Civitas at the House of Lords and Civitas HQ, is bringing together researchers from around the world to discuss how to reshape and redirect Early Years policy. The conference is being organised as part of a larger campaign to address three problematic trends observable across many western countries.
Firstly, a negative narrative around children themselves, with children represented as ‘barriers’, ‘burdens’ or ‘obstacles’ standing in the way of female employment targets.
Secondly, a devaluing of the role of parents, with the important work of raising children invisible in GDP measurements and stay-at-home mothers deemed “economically inactive”.
Finally, a general lack of understanding of – and lack of interest in – the impact that childcare policies have on children, especially as professional childcare is being promoted for more and more children, for longer and longer hours and at younger and younger ages.
The Erosion of Childhood in the Nordic Countries
Lea Pulkkinen, Professor of Psychology Emerita at the University of Jyväskylä, argues that in Finland, the “ten pillars of a good childhood” are being eroded by an ideology of global competition. These pillars include creative play, physical activity, access to nature, growing independence, strong community support and, crucially, stable caregivers. Over the past two decades, economic competition has driven a push for early cognitive development and full-time parental workforce participation, often at the expense of children’s social and emotional needs. While their rights are legally recognised, children are increasingly being left alone both physically and emotionally. Pulkkinen states: “In Finland, economic values increasingly dominate, replacing educational philosophy and causing the erosion of childhood”. Lea suggests that we need to be aware of these harmful trends in order to restore the balance. Public policy and community life need to refocus on the needs of children and on respect for parenting.
Similarly, Ole Henrik Hansen, Professor in Early Childhood Education and Care at Jönköping University in Denmark, criticises the current Danish practice of early institutionalisation of children and a lack of support for parents. He argues that a focus on workforce participation over children’s well-being has created unacceptable conditions for many children, especially the youngest. Hansen presents research showing the importance of secure relationships and present caregivers, concluding that parents play a crucial role in ensuring children’s health and welfare. He advocates for extended parental leave, a delayed start to day-care, and a reorganisation of day-care with a focus on high-quality kindergartens.
A Cautionary Tale for the UK?
“How can we shape family policy to help children and families flourish?”
The UK is increasingly mirroring these trends, with growing pressure on parents to return to work early and an expanding reliance on external childcare. The UK therefore risks following the same trajectory, where economic and political goals take precedence over child well-being. The conference contributors urge policymakers to take action by strengthening parental support, rethinking early childcare models, and ensuring policies place children’s emotional and developmental needs at the forefront.
“Finland and Denmark provide crucial lessons for the UK,” says Anne Fennell, Chair of Mothers at Home Matter and President of FEFAF. “We have convened this conference, Foundation for the Future because in our extensive campaigning - here in the UK, at the UN and across Europe - not one politician, academic, or daycare lobbyist could answer the simple question: What evidence is there that these policies pushing very young children into daycare are good for the child?”
“Mothers in particular play a vital role in buffering stress, regulating emotions, and fostering a sense of security—functions akin to a baby’s central nervous system. ”
Keynote speakers Erica Komisar and Professor James Heckman reinforce the need to take seriously these concerns. Komisar, psychoanalyst and author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the first three years Matters, draws on both clinical experience and extensive neurobiological research to demonstrate that the presence and engagement of a mother, father, or a constant family caregiver is a key determinant of long-term positive outcomes for children. The first 1,000 days of life represent a critical window for brain development, during which babies are highly sensitive to their environment. Mothers in particular play a vital role in buffering stress, regulating emotions, and fostering a sense of security—functions akin to a baby’s central nervous system.
“Caregiving and home life remain glaring omissions from national economic budgets, despite being fundamental to successful child outcomes and developing human potential. ”
Heckman, winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics and Director of the Centre for the Economics of Human Development, states that we have neglected the role of the parent in public policy. He further emphasises that caregiving and home life remain glaring omissions from national economic budgets, despite being fundamental to successful child outcomes and developing human potential.
We urge policy makers to ensure that economic priorities do not come at the cost of our children’s emotional security and long-term development. Governments and communities can and ought to work together to create policies which respect the role of parents, prioritise children’s needs, and avoid the pitfalls seen in other countries. By learning from the Nordic experience, the UK has an opportunity to protect childhood, rather than erode it.
A follow-up report with recommendations will be prepared for March 2025.
Anne Fennell
Chair, MAHM
President, FEFAF
Sponsors include:
Are you a MAHM member yet?
There are many benefits to being a Mothers At Home Matter member! Your support is invaluable to help us shout louder about fairer taxation for families and acknowledge the choices 21st-century mothers want for their children.
MAHM campaigns for:
Childcare subsidy to follow the child with parents allowed to chose whether they use it to stay at home, give it to grandparents, childminder or external setting.
Taxation should fall fairly on those who stay at home and those who work.
Public examination on short and long term needs of children (and the effect on infants of long hours in external settings).
Recognition of value of unpaid care (estimated at £77 billion by Carers UK).