Childhood as Opportunity

We have made progress in many areas of human endeavour. It seems, however, that we do not always put into practice what has been learnt about the opportunity offered in the early years of childhood to foster the emotional development essential to our growth into maturity as adult human beings.
Encouraged to pursue material gain we neglect the emotional health of our children and live with the consequences. Why are the rates of mental illness, drug-abuse, suicide, crime and violence so high and rising in so many places throughout the world?
The equation may well be simple. The more maturity, the less conflict and misery. And it is within our power to look to the real needs of children so that they are not burdened with life-long insecurity and anxiety and their intelligence and goodwill directed more positively for the benefit of mankind.