Princess of Wales reveals ‘toxic’ family habit we’re all guilty of which causes ’epidemic of disconnection’

The Princess of Wales has penned a new essay for her early years foundation project, in collaboration with a Harvard Professor. In it, the Princess stresses the importance of family connection in the first five years of children’s lives, and stresses the pitfalls we can all fall into, living in an increasingly digital world.

Working with Professor Robert Waldinger, Kate led a new essay which shared important research into early years development and the impact it has later in life. While we are in a more digitally connected world than ever before, this is coming at the detriment of our interpersonal connections, says Kate, and we must 'acknowledge that it plays a complex and often troubling role in this epidemic of disconnection.'

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‘Our smartphones, tablets and computers have become sources of constant distraction, fragmenting our focus and preventing us from giving others the undivided attention that relationships require,’ she writes. ‘We sit together in the same room while our minds are scattered across dozens of apps, notifications and feeds. We’re physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us.’

Without forming strong connections early on, children can find it harder to make and sustain relationships later in life which can have long-lasting consequences, she explains.

‘We live increasingly lonelier lives, which research shows is toxic to human health,’ writes Kate. ‘It’s our young people (aged 16 to 24) that report being the loneliest of all – the very generation that should be forming the relationships that will sustain them throughout life.’

The Princess of Wales and her daughter, Princess Charlotte during a mother-daughter day out at Wimbledon.

The Princess of Wales urged that we have a ‘golden opportunity’ in early childhood to build strong foundations for future life outcomes.’

‘Children who are raised in environments rooted in love, safety and dignity, are better able to develop the social and emotional scaffolding required to form healthy relationships, resolve conflict and grow into adults capable of building loving partnerships, families and communities themselves,’ she said.

You can read the full essay on the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood website.