Early Childhood
Pre-school years (2-5 years)
This phase brings a rapid increase in intellectual abilities, especially in the complexity of language. Social development occurs as the child learns to live within the family. He begins to identify with the parents and adopt their standards in matters of conscience. Social life develops rapidly as he learns to interact with siblings, other children, and adults. Temper tantrums continue, but diminish and should disappear before the child starts school. At this age, the child has much curiosity about the environment and may ask a great number of questions.
In children aged 2-5, fantasy life is rich and vivid. It can form a temporary substitute for the real world, enabling desires to be fulfilled regardless of reality. Special objects such as teddy bears or pieces of blanket become important to the child. They appear to comfort and reassure the child, and help sleep. They have been called 'transitional objects'.
The child begins to learn about his own identity. He realizes the differences between males and females in their appearance, clothes, behavior, and anatomy. Sexual play and exploration are common at this stage.
According to psychodynamic theory, at this stage defense mechanisms develop to enable the child to cope with anxiety arising from unacceptable emotions. They include repression, rationalization, compensation, and displacement.
This phase brings a rapid increase in intellectual abilities, especially in the complexity of language. Social development occurs as the child learns to live within the family. He begins to identify with the parents and adopt their standards in matters of conscience. Social life develops rapidly as he learns to interact with siblings, other children, and adults. Temper tantrums continue, but diminish and should disappear before the child starts school. At this age, the child has much curiosity about the environment and may ask a great number of questions.
In children aged 2-5, fantasy life is rich and vivid. It can form a temporary substitute for the real world, enabling desires to be fulfilled regardless of reality. Special objects such as teddy bears or pieces of blanket become important to the child. They appear to comfort and reassure the child, and help sleep. They have been called 'transitional objects'.
The child begins to learn about his own identity. He realizes the differences between males and females in their appearance, clothes, behavior, and anatomy. Sexual play and exploration are common at this stage.
According to psychodynamic theory, at this stage defense mechanisms develop to enable the child to cope with anxiety arising from unacceptable emotions. They include repression, rationalization, compensation, and displacement.
Common problem in early childhood
In children from birth to the beginning of the fifth year, common problems include difficulties in feeding and sleeping, as well as clinging to the parents (separation anxiety), temper tantrums, oppositional behavior, and minor degrees of aggression.
Social Emotional Problems and Peer Relationships
Social interaction with peers builds upon and improves the rules and customs of social interaction that children first
encounter in their families. Although many adults assume that the influence of peers on adolescents is negative, the
repercussions of peer relationships are often more positive than negative. Peer relationships can provide cognitive,
social, and physical stimulation through mutual activities and conversations. Friendships in particular can provide
emotional security and compassion and can often serve as an additional source of support outside of the family,
especially in times of crisis.
Children must be provided an emotionally secure and safe environment that prevents any form of bullying or violence,
where they can be effective learners and integrate the development of social and emotional skills within all aspects of
school life. These skills include problem-solving, coping, conflict management/resolution and understanding and
managing feelings. Gaining social and emotional skills enables children to learn from teachers, make friends, express
thoughts and feelings, and cope with frustration. These kinds of skills, in turn, directly influence cognitive learning such
as early literacy, numeracy and language skills.
Early rejection by peers has been associated with persistent academic and social difficulties in elementary school. That
is why it is important to have skilled preschool teachers who can intervene when they see children having difficulties
with peers and help the children learn how to resolve conflicts, control emotions, and respond to the feelings of others.
Social interaction with peers builds upon and improves the rules and customs of social interaction that children first
encounter in their families. Although many adults assume that the influence of peers on adolescents is negative, the
repercussions of peer relationships are often more positive than negative. Peer relationships can provide cognitive,
social, and physical stimulation through mutual activities and conversations. Friendships in particular can provide
emotional security and compassion and can often serve as an additional source of support outside of the family,
especially in times of crisis.
Children must be provided an emotionally secure and safe environment that prevents any form of bullying or violence,
where they can be effective learners and integrate the development of social and emotional skills within all aspects of
school life. These skills include problem-solving, coping, conflict management/resolution and understanding and
managing feelings. Gaining social and emotional skills enables children to learn from teachers, make friends, express
thoughts and feelings, and cope with frustration. These kinds of skills, in turn, directly influence cognitive learning such
as early literacy, numeracy and language skills.
Early rejection by peers has been associated with persistent academic and social difficulties in elementary school. That
is why it is important to have skilled preschool teachers who can intervene when they see children having difficulties
with peers and help the children learn how to resolve conflicts, control emotions, and respond to the feelings of others.
Social Emotional Problems in the Family
Parents and families play a huge part in determining a child’s social and emotional development. Early relationships with
parents lay the foundation on which social ability and peer relationships are built. Parents who support positive
emotional development interact with their children affectionately; show consideration for their feelings, desires and
needs; express interest in their daily activities; respect their opinions; express pride in their achievements; and provide
support during times of anxiety. This encouragement significantly raises the probability that children will develop early
emotional capability, will be better prepared to enter school, and less likely to display behavior problems at home and at
school. This is why many preschool programs include a focus on parent involvement and parenting education.
Interactions with siblings are an important part of child development. These interactions influence the course of a child’
s social and moral development, including the development of good citizenship and good character. In general, having
an encouraging relationship with parents and siblings is important to positive adolescent development. Children who
disconnect from parental influence are at particular risk for delinquent activities and psychological problems.
Parents and families play a huge part in determining a child’s social and emotional development. Early relationships with
parents lay the foundation on which social ability and peer relationships are built. Parents who support positive
emotional development interact with their children affectionately; show consideration for their feelings, desires and
needs; express interest in their daily activities; respect their opinions; express pride in their achievements; and provide
support during times of anxiety. This encouragement significantly raises the probability that children will develop early
emotional capability, will be better prepared to enter school, and less likely to display behavior problems at home and at
school. This is why many preschool programs include a focus on parent involvement and parenting education.
Interactions with siblings are an important part of child development. These interactions influence the course of a child’
s social and moral development, including the development of good citizenship and good character. In general, having
an encouraging relationship with parents and siblings is important to positive adolescent development. Children who
disconnect from parental influence are at particular risk for delinquent activities and psychological problems.
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