In the first 1000 days, the foundation for people's lives is laid.

“The first 1000 days in a child's life are crucial for everything that follows, and as a society, we must place special emphasis on ensuring that they have the best possible conditions. Work in this area must be strategic, and I would like to direct to Parliament to formulate a clear plan for the necessary steps to achieve success in this regard,” said Helgi Héðinsson, member of parliament, during the parliamentary proceedings.

The report “The First 1000 Days of the Child in the Nordics” discusses, among other things, policy proposals intended to strengthen the rights and status of children and, where applicable, parents from pregnancy and the first two years of life.

The Nordic countries are, in many ways, at the forefront in this field, and much has indeed developed in the right direction, including improved services for families with children, an increased focus on the mental health of parents, and an extension of parental leave.

“Children's issues have received increased attention, not least due to the initiative of the Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, Ásmundur Einar Daðason, but there is still much work to be done,” said Helgi.

We need to look at the duration and arrangement of parental leave and women's rights during pregnancy. Research shows that during the first 1000 days, the foundation for a person's life is laid.

“During this time, we learn, among other things, to form attachments, and therefore the time spent with parents is particularly important,” said Helgi.

The report summarises six proposals for policy orientation in this area, but the common thread of the report is the importance of mental health and well-being, comprehensive support for families, equity and quality of services, and that we respond appropriately and in a timely manner to risk factors.

Helgi's speech at the Althing:

“Mr President.

The first 1000 days in a child's life have fortunately received increased attention in recent years, partly due to the initiative of Icelanders in the Nordic Council of Ministers. The committee submitted a report in February last year based on comprehensive analytical work that began in 2019, with the Office of the National Commissioner of Health leading the project on behalf of Iceland. The report, The First 1000 Days of the Child in the Nordics, discusses, among other things, policy proposals intended to strengthen the rights and status of children and, where applicable, parents from pregnancy and the first two years of life. The Nordic countries are, in many ways, leading in this field, and much has indeed developed in the right direction, including improved services for families with children, an increased focus on the mental health of parents, and an extension of parental leave. Children’s issues have received increased attention, not least due to the initiative of the Minister of Education and Children's Affairs, Ásmundur Einar Daðason, but there is still much work to be done. In this context, we need to look at the duration and arrangement of parental leave and women’s rights during pregnancy. Research has shown that during the first 1000 days, the foundation for a person’s life is laid. During this time, we learn, among other things, to form attachments, and therefore the time spent with parents is particularly important. In the committee's report, six proposals for policy orientation in this area are summarised, but the common thread of the report is the importance of mental health and well-being, comprehensive support for families, equity and quality of services, and that we respond appropriately and in a timely manner to risk factors.

Mr President. The first 1000 days in a child's life are crucial for everything that follows, and as a society, we must place special emphasis on ensuring that they have the best possible conditions. Work in this area must be strategic, and I would like to direct to Parliament to formulate a clear plan for the necessary steps to achieve success in this regard.”