All parents want their children to be healthy. According to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, investment in early childhood development is an important task for both families and society at large. Identifying developmental issues as early as possible allows early intervention that can lead to successful treatment. When childhood development issues arise, consult your pediatrician to find out if treatment is required.
Brain Development Issues
The brain begins developing while still in the womb, and continues to grow and mature over time. According to the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child, exposure to alcohol in the womb is one of the leading causes of brain disorders in infants in the United States. Exposure to environmental toxins can also cause slow brain development and mental retardation. Prenatal care is one of the best ways to protect babies from brain damage. Sufficient sensory stimulation and interaction with other people also is an important contributing factor in the brain's later development during early childhood. Children who do not receive sufficient positive attention are more prone to learning disorders.
Sleep Issues
According to the Child Development Institute, babies and children do not get enough sleep, leading to a variety of behavior and physical developmental issues. Babies learn how to develop a normal self-induced sleep cycle when they are put to bed while sleepy, not when they fall asleep in your arms. Young children who easily fall asleep are typically more secure. Issues that arise as children age include nightmares, bed-wetting and sleepwalking. School-age children who don't get enough sleep develop behavioral and learning problems at school. Children who sleep well at night for eight to nine hours typically are happier and have enough energy to get through the day.
Behavioral Issues
Many behavioral issues in early childhood cannot be controlled by parents and caregivers. According to the Child Development Institute, childhood temperament is inborn and biological. Most developmental issues arise when children are not taught how to manage their feelings and reactions. High-energy children must be taught how to control their impulses, and shy children must be coached on how to adjust socially. Young children who have not been taught how to act appropriately at home can develop low self-esteem and continued behavioral problems as they age.
Physical Development
While all children develop at different paces, there are parameters that most kids should fall within. When children grow at a dramatically slower or faster pace than their peers, they should be checked by a doctor to determine the cause, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Early childhood development parameters are based on weight, height and head size. Children should be measured in all three categories at birth, in two months and again at six months to check for physical abnormalities.
