What’s the one thing that parents can do to raise their children properly? I’m not yet a dad, but I’m at least aware there’s not simply one thing that parents can do to ensure their kids are on the right track. On the contrary, parenting is a holistic affair.

ChildFund has a similar approach in its early childhood development programs in Honduras, which allow kids to get the start they need in life in order to realize their full potential. Working amidst the surrounding poverty, their integrated programs emphasize the need for proper nutrition, early stimulation, and love and attention at home from parents and caregivers. Crucial ingredients in the program are the door-to-door guide mothers who carry information and awareness to households, monitoring children’s nutritional and health status along the way. Guide mothers teach parents proper brain stimulation during crucial early years, and quickly identify developmental difficulties to keep kids from falling through the cracks.