14 February 2026

The Van Leer Foundation has published the 2026 issue of Early Childhood Matters, titled Parenthood in a Changing World, which focuses on parental wellbeing. The issue explores how our changing world is shaping the transition to parenthood and how parents and leaders are responding. By bringing together perspectives from scientists, economists, artists, innovators, and leaders across government and civil society, the case for investing in parents becomes beautifully obvious.

This year’s edition explores three connected themes:

• Navigating uncertainty & new horizons in parenthood: How shifting work patterns, technologies and economic pressures present a new reality for new families.
• Raising children collectively: Why care isn’t only mothers’ work, and how families, communities and children are stronger when it’s shared.
• Investing in parents is investing in children: How supporting mothers, fathers and other caregivers creates benefits that ripple across generations.
• Featuring scientists, economists, artists, innovators, government and civil society leaders.

Explore the issue here.