Introduction: The Concept of Sensitive Periods Sensitive periods in childhood refer to critical phases in a child’s development during which they are particularly responsive to certain stimuli or experiences. These are transient, windows of opportunity that open and close as the child grows. We recognize these periods as fundamental to understanding how to best support and guide a child’s natural development. These sensitive periods refer to timeframes in a child’s life when they show heightened susceptibility to certain environmental stimuli,