Early Childhood Growth and Development
The foundational experiences of childhood will continue to have major impacts on future growth and development. Counseling activities for this age group involve dramatic play, role playing, art activities, and other creative forms of expression. Some didactic activities are also included depending on the child's cognitive abilities. Here are some underlying, highly researched and regarding theories of child development that help caretakers understand the needs of small children.
Cognitive MilestonesPiaget's Cognitive Developmental Model explains how children take in and process information as they age. Infants orient to the world through their senses. Toddlers and preschoolers begin to understand and use symbols to represent their world. School aged children can think logically and older children and adolescents begin to think abstractly. This theory explains why play is so critically important to a young child's cognitive and social-emotional development. |
Emotional MilestonesErikson's Psycho-social Developmental Model considers human development based on how they interact with their social world. In each stage of like, there is an obstacle that the human must overcome in order to develop healthy sense of self and relationship with others. In early childhood, the challenge is establishing a basic trust in caregivers. In childhood, the challenge is developing a healthy sense of self by believing that one is competent to develop realistic goals. Praise and encouragement of effort help positively reinforce both ability and belief in one's self. |
Parental Influences on Self-ConceptIn early childhood, the importance of the primary caregiver cannot be overstated. For healthy cognitive, social and emotional development, the child needs to feel secure in their bond with a reliable caregiver. Parenting style has also been associated with outcomes for later independence and success. Authoritative parents are both warm and responsive with their children and result in children that are more socially engaged, perform better in school, and relay more feelings associated with wellness. |
Common concerns parents have with young children - with links to some valuable source information
- Temper Tantrums
- Potty Training
- Bedwetting
- Sleep Problems
- Separation Anxiety
- Imaginary Friends
- Early Childhood Trauma
- Positive Parenting Strategies
- Kindergarten Preparedness