CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Child Development

Child Development

Introduction

Child development can be described as growth, physically and emotionally, and cognitive development - biologically. Child development plays a pivotal role in developing the personality of the child as the child grows up. To live a satisfying and momentous life, two areas are very important for individuals. Interpersonal relationships and intellectual capability development define the proper development of a child (Charlesworth, 2010, p. 18-101).

Child development is distributed in multiple dimensions that differ according to context and impact on child behaviour. Numerous things simultaneously influence the mental, physical, and emotional development of the child. Child development is determined according to these three principle dimensions which defines the behavioural consequences of a child as he grows up. All these three states are interrelated to each other; lack of concern on any of this dimension affect the other two subsequently. Behavioural responses of a child are consequences of experiences he had in his early stages of life. It is essential to address the key areas related to child development that may create potential problems in normal upbringing of child (Bee & Boyd, 2006, p. 27-108).

Discussion

A baby starts developing from the day he is born and seeing and experiencing every stage of child development is like achieving milestones for the parents. With child development stages, we refer to the age sensible bodily and mental expansion of the child. Viewing babies develop is like reliving their childhood for mother and father. Each and every movement and expression of the child are precious for them. Hence, details about the child development phases or child development milestones are essential for the mother and father.

Frequently we believe that an infant only grows physically in the early months, but it is mistaken fact simply because an infant not only evolves physically but also on the psychological side, and the social front. Even the motor abilities of the infant present the indicators of development (Charlesworth, 2010, p. 18-101).

Language Development

Infants begin to grasp the language long before they can talk. At birth, they can distinguish speech from other kinds of sounds and recognize the voices of significant adults. In the second half of the first year, they are able to understand words and phrases.

Caregivers and parents should talk to babies starting at birth, even though babies will not understand or reply. Rich conversation directed towards the infants will arouse language centres in the brain and promote later communicative capability. Since it is not known exactly when infants understand words, caregivers and parents should be careful about what they talk around them. Toddlers, who are not yet able to speak, may still understand a sensitive or confidential topic discussed by adults in their presence. Caregivers and parents should create an effective language-rich environment for babies, since language grows so rapidly during the first 2 years of life (Bee & Boyd, 2006, p. 27-108).

Phases of Development

The first apparent development everyone would observe in an infant is the physical development. This is one of the most crucial child development milestones to look ...