Sweta Shah

2 weeks ago | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah |Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

The Trump administration wants to incentivize a baby boom by offering a $5,000 cash “baby bonus” for every mother who gives birth. Ironically, the administration is also proposing federal cuts to family-friendly programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Head Start, and more.

Nov 13, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah |Ben Hewitt

When G20 leaders meet in Rio de Janeiro, they have an opportunity to accelerate progress toward fighting hunger, poverty, and inequality by investing more in comprehensive policies for young children. Evidence shows that investing in young children is critical to achieving these goals, and as the host of the G20, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva has put this fight at the forefront of the summit’s global agenda.

Nov 8, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah |Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

Children do not vote, so it is easy to deprioritize their needs. But adults in their families do, and many of them hope Donald Trump and the Republican party can reduce financial burdens so that they can comfortably raise children. President-elect Trump will now have a chance to push legislation through Congress that can lower prices for all Americans and especially working families.

Sep 6, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah

Around the world—in Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Ukraine, Myanmar, Sudan and more—over 400 million, or about 1 in every 5 children are caught in the crossfire of conflict. They are innocent victims, caught in something they did not start and something they can’t control. The average large-scale humanitarian crisis lasts about a decade and the average length of displacement is now —a full childhood. For these children, education can be a lifeline, but it is often under attack.

Jun 20, 2024 | brookings.edu | Sweta Shah

Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity. Kay Redfield Jamison Crisis contexts, whether due to conflict, economic or political upheaval, climate change or natural hazards, impact young children in myriad ways. They can displace children from their homes, cut off access to education, health, nutritious food, and other services, and impact them psychologically and emotionally.