The Downfall of Child Development

Child Development! What do I mean when I begin to pen down about Child development? Child development refers to a period of cognitive, physical, and social development in children that begins; at birth and lasts until they reach early adulthood. 

Now determining the physical development of your children with few milestones is much easier, whereas; it can also be determined through other milestones that gauge the child’s social and emotional health. 

The social and emotional development of a child means what they feel, how they learn to understand who are they, and what they should expect while interacting with others around them. Social and emotional development acts as a basic foundation in their life. They are developed, to be able to experience, manage, and express emotions. The ability to create and maintain positive relationships and to discover and engage with the surroundings. 

It also helps to influence empathy, self-confidence, friendships, and cultivate a sense of importance in the child for all those people around them. The developmental milestones include both the psychological and physical changes that the child undergoes. These milestones; are influenced by several external and internal factors. 

At this point, it is vital to note that each child is different, and thus, the learning and development of each varies. Social and emotional development is the crucial topic of concern of recent times. 

Cultural considerations

Cultural influences during the child’s birth are neutral. They begin to develop the moment the child is born and create an impact as the child grows. Each family brings its own unique beliefs and parenting styles based on its culture.

Children’s values, belief systems, languages, and sense of identity as individuals and members of society can all be influenced by culture.

These cultures influence children in myriad ways, including their environment, media, and parents. How society demonstrates an understanding of different cultures can have a wide range of effects on a child’s development.

Risk Factors

Several factors affect growth and create an impact on child development. One should be aware of all the aspects, especially; the risk factors that help nurture the child’s growth. 

Environmental risk factors:

A child’s social environment is vital to his personality development. Human beings are born with natural genetic personality traits that remain constant throughout their life. We can learn, change, and grow based on the environment we live in. 

Community resources, physical surroundings, and social relationships are all environmental elements that influence a child’s social development. A few risk factors that may affect the social development of the child are living in poor physical surroundings, lack of educational facilities, lack of cleanliness and health facilities, humble family routines, lack of community support, etc.  

Family risk factors:

Families have the most profound influence in raising a child and influencing their psychological and social development. They need love, care, and courtesy to grow into healthy, functional individuals, regardless of; whether they are brought up by their parents, grandparents, or caregivers. 

The most positive growth of a child occurs when their families invest their energy, time, and love through activities like playing with them, reading to them, and having some meaningful conversations with them. 

On the contrary, families that neglect children affect their positive development. These children may grow up to be people with weak social skills and have a difficult time bonding with others.

Other factors such as maternal depression, mental illness in the family, parental unemployment, parental substance abuse, poverty, and family violence may also affect the positive development of the child. 

Risk factors within the child:

Apart from the above exterior risk factors, some risks may arise due to low birth weight, premature birth, ethnicity, poor physical health of the child, etc. Children in foster care, child refugees, and physically abused; are more vulnerable, and their development is adversely affected. Children with learning difficulties also face issues with their social and emotional development. 

Other risk factors that determine the child’s growth and development include brain chemistry, hormone levels, and genetic parameters. Mental health, while important, is often disregarded in favour of the physical development of a child. 

As an adult, it is your vested duty to understand each risk factor is vital for the growth and development of the child. It is imperative to provide a loving and caring environment for the child to ensure effective and efficient growth and development.

Conclusion

Early childhood is a crucial phase of mental and emotional development. The things children see and experience at this age have a significant impact on their future. Their childhood environment and how they respond to it can predict their adult health and well-being.

As a result, children learn through watching and associating with their surroundings. Good influences can help a child develop well, whereas toxic or stressful ones can harm a child’s development.

TruHap, the renowned child development center in Hyderabad, is the right place for you if you observe any signs of negative child development. Contact us on +91 9491 208 645 or write to us at info@truhap.com to avail the assistance and guidance of the best child psychologist in Hyderabad. Get in touch with us to review all of your concerns about your child’s growth and development.