Kate Middleton is getting back to work. The Duchess of Cambridge teamed up with the BBC to launch a new education initiative for young children. The Tiny Happy People platform offers resources, advice, and support to parents of kids up to 4 years old.
Kate appeared on BBC Breakfast to launch the platform. Not only was she there for the announcement, but she played a role in the development of the platform. Kensington Palace reports that Kate has been working with the Tiny Happy People team since November to take part in development process and learn about the production process.
In celebration of the release, photos were released of an intimate event last week. There, Kate was able to meet with the families who helped pilot and develop Tiny Happy People. She learned all about how it has impacted the families. Kate and The Royal Foundation will continue to work with the BBC on developing the platform, work that's in line with Kate's early childhood initiative.
Kate Middleton is making her way back into the public eye. The Duchess of Cambridge is getting back to her cornerstone work on early childhood development as a member of the royal family. Kate's latest project sees her teaming up with the BBC on a platform called Tiny Happy People for parents of children up to the age of 4.
Tiny Happy People aims to help provide children a path to literacy through activities that provide the building blocks of language development. The ideas and activities the platform provides are designed to be easily integrated into day-to-day life. They're based on expert advice and research evidence.
On Tuesday, Kate appeared on BBC Breakfast to announce that she is endorsing and working with Tiny Happy People. Kensington Palace provided more information on Kate's involvement in a series of tweets. The palace explained that Kate has been involved with the team since November.
Kate took part in the development sessions for the platform. She also attended various meetings to learn more about the production that goes into the materials provided. Kate and The Royal Foundation will continue to partner with the platform moving forward.
"The Duchess helped in the character and background development for two animations on parenting, now available on the Tiny Happy People website, which are about making eye contact and singing to babies," the palace noted.
Last week, Kate met with three families who helped pilot and develop Tiny Happy People. One family was young dad Ryan and his 8-month-old daughter, Mia.
"He's learned a huge amount from Tiny Happy People. It's information like that I wish I had had as a first-time mom," Kate said of Ryan. "It's gold dust, really, for families to be given those tips and tools to be able to use, particularly in those first five years."
Kate explained that there are a lot of resources from new parents, but it falls off after the first few months.
"In the first few months there's a huge amount of support from the midwives and health visitors, but from then onwards, there's a massive gap before they then start school," she notes. She believes Tiny Happy People can do a lot to bridge that gap.
"The science also shows how important relationships are and safe and nurturing environments are for children particularly under 5," she noted.
"That's what really matters. It's not necessarily about the toys, it's not the exciting places you go with them, but it's actually how you as parents interact with them. That's what really counts."
Kate feels like a lot of this is taken for granted. It has taken a lot for her to wrap her head around how significant this time period truly is.
"Before I started all this work, I didn't realize just how important it is. Some of the science behind all of it is extraordinary," she said.
"Ninety percent of our adult brain grows before the age of 5. It shows what a precious time this is and what an amazing opportunity us parents have got to really nurture their minds and really put them in the best possible position for their future life."
"Families and carers are at the heart of nurturing the next generation of happy, healthy adults, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to turn to for advice," Kate said in a statement announcing her role with the platform.
"Tiny Happy People is an invaluable resource which provides parents and carers with support and tips, as well as simple activities to ensure children develop the language skills they need to have the best possible start in life. I am delighted to have been part of its journey and hope families across the UK will enjoy exploring the resources."
Kate seems happy to be back out. Her new, lighter locks drew the attention of many royal fans. Kate sported a fresh cut as well, which makes sense since salons in the UK have recently reopened. Her lighter summer look softens her. Coupled with the joy of being around kids, Kate is glowing and in her element.
While she's happy to be back out and about, she admits that she's a little nervous that Prince Louis hasn't wrapped his head around social distancing just yet. The 2-year-old is a hugger.
"Louis doesn't understand social distancing. He goes out wanting to cuddle anything, particularly any babies younger than him," she revealed.
She said that her time at home with the kids made her realize what healthy appetites each of the three has.
"My children have bottomless pits," she joked. "I feel like a constant feeding machine for them."
Still, she feels they've done a good job of faring their time together. "It's been challenging. Some parts have been really positive, spending extra time with the kids, everything like that, but it is equally stressful," she admitted.
"You are in confined spaces … And having to home school, that was a challenge. I always had a respect for teachers before, but now I have a newfound respect for them."
As she goes back to work, she admits that she struggles with still wanting that quality time. "How do you extend that umbilical cord from having had that precious time together? I know from a personal perspective, having all that extra time together as a family, but then being able to step back again and go back to how things were. It's really hard for lots of families."
It will be exciting to see how involved Kate gets with the Tiny Happy People platform. It certainly seems like an excellent resource for parents, and it speaks to Kate's biggest passion. Having gotten two of her own children through that crucial period and having another nearly halfway through, it is also a lovely way for her to linger in that magical period of childhood as her kids grow.
