As a parent, one of your main concerns may be, "Is my child developing normally?" Fortunately, developmental psychology answers this question by examining the patterns of physical and psychological changes at each stage of life, from birth until death. Childhood, which lasts from age two until the start of puberty around age 12, is a time of rapid acceleration in physical appearance, thinking and socialization. Most children will display the same characteristics during this stage of development.
Childhood Development Ages 2 to 6
Children's bodies develop rapidly right after the "terrible twos" at an average rate of 2.5 inches and 6 lbs. per year. Fine motor skills, such as writing, drawing and playing an instrument, begin to improve as do larger motor skills such as running and riding a tricycle and bicycle. Children's growing bodies demand about 1,700 calories a day, with boys needing slightly more energy than girls.
Throughout early childhood, children engage in fantasy play and have a strong inclination toward magical concepts such as princesses, tooth fairies and super powers. Additionally, basic reading skills take flight as words begin to represent concrete images. Parental interaction with children is important at these early stages. In fact, according to a 1995 study by researchers Hart and Risley, variations in IQ, language abilities and vocabulary depend significantly on the number of words spoken to children by parents.
Also, by the age of three, children start to see themselves as individuals distinct from those around them. Morality and conscience kick in as parental rules and structure continue, while tantrums gradually subside, depending on the child's personality and temperament. Furthermore, children learn to initiate and complete activities on their own.
Development From Age 6 to Puberty
Children continue to grow at a rate of about 2.5 inches and 6 lbs. annually until the start of puberty. Then girls will briefly outgrow boys as a growth spurt ushers both sexes into young adulthood. Fine motor skills and larger motor skills become smoother, or more finely tuned. For example, scribbling becomes cursive, drawings become art and running, jumping and dancing become increasingly graceful. Of course, each of these skills requires a certain level of experience and practice.
By the age of six, the concept of gender develops, where boys and girls begin expressing different preferences, especially when it comes to the opposite gender. This is when boys look upon girls as "gross" and girls see boys as beneath notice. Also at this time, coping skills and stress develop.
Later in childhood, peers take on a more significant role in children's behavior and thinking. For instance, your child may start to want what other children have and value like the coolest clothes and toys. Moreover, children begin to develop their own personalities and sense of who they are in terms of race, gender and ability.
Nature Versus Nurture
Much of the development that occurs will be independent of parental influences; however, parents can still greatly affect their children's lives. For starters, provide a well-balanced diet. According to a report by the USDA's Food and Nutrition Information Center, too many sugary and fatty foods can create overdoses of energy, leaving kids running around with less ability to concentrate. At the same time, insufficient protein supplies can impair learning.
Reward good behavior and punish bad behavior by removing privileges. Love your children regardless of how they turn out. It is OK to advise them about what behaviors are appropriate, but excessive feelings of shame may impact later social development. According to a February 2005 study conducted by Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada, physical punishment and yelling can reduce the likelihood of children sympathizing and helping others unselfishly in the future.
References
- "Ages and Stages: A Parent's Guide to Normal Childhood Development," Charles E. Schaefer; Theresa Foy DiGeronimo, John Wiley and Sons, August 2000
- Meaningful Differences in the Everyday Experience of Young American Children, Todd R. Risely and Betty Hart, Paul H. Brooks Publishing Co., 1995
- "The Daily"; National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth: Home environment, income and child behavior; Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada; February 2005
