When your child is a toddler--especially when he is two years old--he begins developing an internal conscience, explains the Journal of Genetic Psychology. In the complicated and isolating social context of the modern world, as the Dana Foundation notes, people must internalize the principles of decency in order for society’s moral foundations to hold strong. Hence, the toddler period is crucial because it establishes a person’s internal concept of morality, Psychological Science concludes.
Features
Imitating parents’ behaviors helps a toddler grasp morality; it shows that he notices “moral norms” and observes social behaviors, explains Psychological Science. The toddler also begins to experience “moral feelings” such as guilt, remorse and empathy, explains the Journal of Genetic Psychology. These feelings demonstrate that your child understands social connection and right and wrong. Perhaps most importantly, according to the journal, the toddler develops self-control, which enables him to resist wrongful desires, follow rules and obey orders.
Limitations
At this young age, your child seldom considers the future when making decisions, explains the Dana Foundation. Instead, his morality is based on an understanding of immediate consequences. As a result, he often behaves properly only because he knows you’re watching. As the toddler continues to develop, he will slowly internalize the principles of proper behavior. During this process, adds the Journal of Genetic Psychology, your toddler will continue defying, ignoring and rejecting your commands, probably until he is about 4 years old.
Effects
Your toddler’s moral development will affect his future behavior. For example, toddlers who easily imitate their parents’ behavior tend to behave conscientiously in preschool, according to a study in Psychological Science. The effects continue throughout life; if the toddler internalizes moral concepts, then he can responsibly regulate his behavior as an adult, notes the Dana Foundation. But if the toddler only learns to obey rules, then he could become sneakily unethical. An essential element of moral development is learning self-regulation, the Journal of Genetic Psychology explains. This trait increases social compliance, but its absence or weakness creates greater behavioral problems.
The Role of Parents
Because toddlers learn morality by imitating their parents, as Psychological Science found, your behavior will directly influence your toddler’s moral development. To help your child develop properly, set a good example. When your child misbehaves, discuss the abstract principle as well as address the immediate situation, recommends the Dana Foundation. For example, if your toddler lies, help him understand that lying not only incurs a punishment, it also decreases your trust in him. Later, give him an opportunity to tell the truth so that he discovers the benefits of honesty as well as the disadvantages of dishonesty, adds the Foundation.
Benefits
Naturally, toddlers who develop sound concepts of morality tend to exhibit fewer behavioral problems, the Journal of Genetic Psychology reports. However, the benefits of moral development extend even further; toddlers who progress morally also tend to succeed intellectually and academically, according to Growing Families International. Moral behavior requires self-control, the organization explains, and this ability also improves school-related behaviors such as concentration and studying.
References
- “Journal of Genetic Psychology”: Coparenting and Early Conscience Development in the Family
- The Dana Foundation: Teaching Albert Honesty: Help from Brain Research
- “Psychological Science”: Toddlers’ Responsive Imitation Predicts Preschool-Age Conscience
- Growing Families International: Preparation for Toddler
