Kate Middletonis hitting the ground running on her 24-hour tour of the U.K. on behalf of kids.
“I see amazing work you’re doing here in so many areas,” she told workers at the center. “It’s just bringing it to light. The critical work you’re doing has a massive social — and economic — impact later down the years.”
Kate was talking towards the end of a visit In which she had played with babies, crouched down and chatted to toddlers playing “shops” with real vegetables and shared chat about the challenges facing parents and carers. It was part of her fact finding tour to promote her 5 Big Questions survey.
One of the center’s workers talked about how they tried to accommodate the concerns of parents who have questions raising their kids “this way or that way.” Kate said with a smile, “That’s why I wanted to do the survey. Unless parents are supported, it makes the job that much harder.”
Kate Middleton.Tim Rooke/Shutterstock
Outside she even headed into one of the children’s play huts — called Cath’s Cottage — to enjoy playtime with the center’s guinea pigs.
“They are so happy in there,” she said. “It’s like their own little world.”
Kate Middleton.
GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images
Kate also opened up about how helpful a center like this would have been when she was a new mother toPrince George.
“It’s lovely to have someone who understands children and child development,” she said. “She really made the parents and children feel at ease which was lovely.”
She added, “Our children quickly gauge people who are genuinely interested in them and if they’re not they just won’t bother with them.”
Asante added that Kate even helped wash a child’s hand that was covered in sand. “I said, ‘You’ve got the job,’ and she said ‘I wish!’ ”
Kate started her mini tour in Birmingham on Tuesday afternoon, where she said, “I’m here today to help launch a survey to hear society’s views about raising the next generation. Parents, carers and families are at the heart of caring for children in the formative years so that is why I want to listen to them.”
“As a parent, I know how much we cherish the future health and happiness of our children. I want to hear the key issues affecting our families and communities so I can focus my work on where it is needed most. My ambition is to provide lasting change for generations to come.”
Kate Middleton.GEOFF CADDICK/AFP via Getty Images
Can’t get enough ofPEOPLE‘s Royals coverage?Sign up for our free Royals newsletterto get the latest updates onKate Middleton,Meghan Markleand more!
Kate Middleton.GEOFF CADDICK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
Kate Middleton.Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images
David Holmes, chief executive of the charity Family Action (which Katejoined for some pre-Christmas funin December), adds, “Every parent, carer and family wants the best for their child and raising the profile of the vital early years in a child’s life is work of national importance. The insight this survey will give the early years sector valuable direction in designing and delivering services and support which reflect what matters most to people.”
source: people.com
