When experts talk about lasting impressions in child development they divide it into different domains, including cognitive, physical and social development. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the first several years of life influence how a child develops throughout the rest of his life. Many different factors may affect child development in both positive and negative ways.
Trauma and Abuse
A child and even infant who becomes a victim of abuse, neglect or maltreatment or is exposed to emotional trauma, such as domestic violence, may be affected in profound ways. These experiences can have negative effects on the way the brain develops, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. These problems may emerge as emotional or behavioral problems or as problems with learning. As a result of abuse exposure, children may develop problems with attachment, the Child Welfare Information Gateway warns. These children find forming trusting and loving relationships with others, including parents and caregivers, very difficult. Without intervention, these problems may persist throughout a lifetime.
Parenting Style
Researchers have identified four types of parenting styles; authoritarian, permissive, neglectful and authoritative. Kidsgrowth.com writes that these parenting styles are associated with positive and negative outcomes for children. Years of research find that an authoritative style works best for children. In this style parents provide structure and clear expectations for behavior, encourage making choices and decisions, and actively communicate with their children. Children raised by an authoritative parent tend to become healthy, confident and independent people. The other styles generally result in negative lasting impressions on children. For example, permissive parents provide little structure and allow their children do what they want. Consequently, these children tend to develop little self-control and become angry easily.
Psychological Problems
Children may develop a variety of psychological problems, sometimes due to genetic factors or due to exposure to trauma and abuse. Typical childhood disorders, according to the Child Development Institute, include attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, bedwetting and autism. Untreated psychological problems may affect all aspects of childhood development, as they generally disrupt normal day-to-day functioning. For example, the Child Development Institute writes that ADHD affects about 3 to 5 percent of children. This disorder involves problems with hyperactivity and the inability to sustain attention. As a result, children with ADHD may have frequent behavior problems, difficulties making friends and may do poorly in school.
Media
Children spend extensive periods of time exposed to different forms of media, such as television, the Internet, video games, advertising and movies. The Center on Media and Child Health states that media may leave negative lasting impressions on children. For example, there are links between media exposure and increased rates of smoking, risky sexual behaviors, eating disorders, obesity, low self-esteem, anxiety and problems with aggression. Media exposure doesn't cause only negative outcomes, though. Positive outcomes, according to the Center on Media and Child Health, include high self-esteem, higher rates of volunteerism, and better cognitive and school performance. The difference between positive and negative outcomes is influenced by the type of content the child is exposed to and the influence of parental monitoring.
Problems and Early Intervention
Negative influences on child development can often be remediated through some sort of treatment or intervention. The CDC indicates that early intervention remains an important part of preventing long-term problems associated with any of the domains of childhood development. Early intervention is particularly important when a child has a learning disorder or if he was exposed to violence or abuse. Regarding parenting style, parents can learn more effective means of parenting, thereby improving developmental outcomes for their children.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Child Development and Public Heath
- Center on Media and Child Health: What You Need to Know About Media and Kid's Health
- Child Development Institute: Child Psychology/Mental Health
- Child Welfare Information Gateway: Impact on Child Development
- Kidsgrowth.com: Four Styles of Parenting
