There are several important factors that influence the development of a child, including genetics, prenatal circumstances, and medical factors. A child may also suffer from delays in the development of a skill or a trait related to their mental or emotional health. An assessment by the right professional will clarify the issues and develop a plan for overcoming the challenges. While there are no known “failures,” there are common developmental challenges and problems. Read on to discover more about the most common developmental challenges faced by children.
The concept of children as little adults was prevalent in the Middle Ages, but today, that theory is completely discredited thanks to the advances in psychology. Here, Ken discusses the moral status of children and their developmental differences. These two differences are cited as key elements in any discussion of human rights. However, the concept of children as a separate species is still valid. Regardless of its roots, children have a number of rights and responsibilities.
The liberal view of childhood emphasizes autonomy and choice. The conservative view of childhood, by contrast, stresses dependence on parents and institutions. While both parents must make important decisions to protect their children, they also need to be able to accept and respect the rights of children. Therefore, the relationship between a child and a parent needs to be flexible and evolve with the child’s development. And that means that parents should consider the wishes and feelings of the child when making decisions.
The concept of a child’s innocence is an important one, but there are also myths about this stage. In general, children have fewer rights than adults do. The loss of innocence is thought to increase a child’s awareness of evil and pain. It is also reflected in such classic novels as To Kill a Mockingbird and Lord of the Flies. Similarly, some believe that a child’s childhood never ends.
The first myth is that children have no choice. While adults are free to make unwise decisions, children don’t have the ability to think critically about the consequences of those choices. Children’s decisions shape their whole lives, and often are irreversible. This makes their life more valuable than that of an adult who is free to make choices. But for that to happen, preconditions must be in place for children to be given the opportunity to make choices.
Medications for children are often used in conjunction with psychotherapy. It is important for multiple health care providers to coordinate treatment information so that children and parents can get the most appropriate treatment. During this time, family counseling may also be beneficial. These counselors will help families understand the challenges faced by their child. The NIMH also supports a variety of projects and organizations focused on childhood mental health. Further, research is being conducted to identify which treatments have the greatest impact on a child’s development.
Children often use tangible strategies to soothe their emotions, such as thumb sucking. Ultimately, the goal of emotional education is to teach children how to regulate their own emotions. By modeling emotional responses and vocalizing feelings, caregivers can help children recognize their own emotions. Children can also influence the behavior of others by observing how they respond to different situations. If you’re able to do these things, your children will be more likely to learn how to regulate their own emotions.