Children as our most valuable resource: two environmental factors within the realm of parental control

In the Euro-Mediterranean region, there is current emphasis on population development in terms of capability and socio-economic advancement. To achieve equitability and sustainability, such an energetic movement ultimately requires both human and environmental well-being as a core value. This calls for prevention and intervention. Environmental factors present risk and protection for human development. Social science characterizes the environment on many levels, ranging from the uterine environment, family environment, car environment, and built environment to the greater outdoor environment. Virtual landscapes add complexity to childhood development. Although they may not have direct access to or impact on many ecological issues, there are key factors within the realm of parental control. In this editorial, we present several theories that are pertinent to human development to help us understand the protective power of parenting on environments. As examples, we then discuss two environmental risk factors that can negatively affect brain plasticity and pruning. Environmentally sensitive parenting promises better gains on child investments made during critical developmental periods. Parents have many microsystemic powers to influence children’s human capital and health. The goal is to protect brain health and promote lifestyle habits that value social interaction, active learning, and morally based ecological awareness for subsequent generations.