Children’s Development Affected by Environment

Introduction

An individual’s environment consists of all the factors, both living and nonliving, that have an impact on that individual’s quality of life. The environment encourages healthy growth and brain development by providing a child with affection, emotional support, and chances for learning and discovery. The term “child development” describes the progression of a child’s physical, linguistic, cognitive, and emotional maturation from infancy through early adulthood (Ferguson et al., 2013). The environment in which a child is raised can profoundly affect their development in these three areas. Child development should always be in a safe setting to bring out the best in a child. The first eight years of a child’s life are crucial since the child’s brain matures and learns to think critically. In most circumstances, a child raised in a decent environment ends up morally upright. In contrast, a child brought up in a terrible environment always has difficulty integrating into society. This research paper discusses the effects of the environment on child development by categorizing the environment into social, physical, biological, familial, and emotional environments.

Effects of Social Environment on Child Development

Having a supportive community to grow up in is crucial to a child’s development. A good social environment and the capacity to make friends were long thought of as innate abilities. The need to teach children to be kind to others and take care of their community is widely acknowledged, though (Gubbels et al., 2011). Since children learn social skills by observing and imitating the actions of their peers, the social norms that prevail in their everyday lives are likely to impact the children’s social interactions. Positive reinforcement and encouragement from an adult such as a parent or teacher can also play a role in actively teaching social skills. Children can benefit by proactively applying the social skills they have acquired in one social setting to another, which both teachers and parents can foster.

Where children develop their social skills and spend most of their time impacts their development. Locations for living, learning, working, receiving medical treatment, and recreational activities are all considered. According to Ferguson et al. (2013), children pick up social cues from the adults in their lives, and the things they witness daily can significantly impact how they carry themselves in social situations. A child’s initial exposure to peers and adults is strongly influenced by their family’s location and first school. Most of a child’s friends will be from their immediate circle of relatives and neighbors. Therefore, their social environment will significantly affect the types of friends they make and the quality of those connections (Repetti, Taylor, & Seeman, 2002). Since the social environment generally dictates with whom, how often, and on what terms parents and children will interact socially, the social structure impacts the type and quality of these relationships.

Forming and maintaining healthy friendships is crucial to a child’s emotional and behavioral growth. Trust, happiness, joy, love, and mutual satisfaction are necessary for successful relationships. If a neighborhood is safe and has enough activities for children, there is a greater chance that the children will get along. It was originally believed that people’s social behavior and their ability to get along with others were talents that would naturally develop over time. Many methods exist for instructing students in the art of social interaction. A nice example is when a parent or instructor acknowledges and rewards appropriate behavior. Both educators and parents may do their part to ensure that their students transfer the social skills they acquire in one setting to another, such as the classroom to the living room and the playground to the sports field.

Even very young children start to show signs of developing their independent thought. A child introduced to drugs at a young age is more likely to become an addict. A child exposed to the drug culture of a drug cartel may be more likely to experiment with substance abuse later in life. A child’s social environment significantly impacts their development, and a precocious learner should not be placed in an environment where drugs are readily available (Repetti, Taylor, & Seeman, 2002). Drugs can alter a child’s brain activity. Low or no memory may be the result for a child. Substance-abusing parents, on the other hand, significantly impact their children’s growth and development. It’s not a good place to bring up a child because there’s a lot of fighting, swearing, and other unpleasant sounds because of drug use. An unloved and neglected child will not flourish. Child-rearing settings should be drug-free for optimal growth and development in infancy and childhood.

Although the exact mechanisms through which one’s social environment affects one’s health are not fully known, a large body of research indicates that such an effect does exist. Many different mechanisms have been proposed. Some research suggests that children’s development is positively influenced by the context in which they are raised. Children from more resource-rich and socially cohesive contexts show greater cognitive, behavioral, and social gains than those from more resource-poor and socially antagonistic contexts. A child’s intelligence and academic success are affected by their relationships with the people around them. Children involved in positive friendships are more likely to succeed in school. Academic achievement and school attendance are higher among children whose social surroundings are defined by household stability. There is a correlation between the quality of one’s neighborhood and the likelihood of early school withdrawal.

There is a strong correlation between early childhood education, where children can form bonds with peers and teachers that foster positive character traits and later success in school. Preschoolers are more prepared for school and have fewer learning difficulties as they progress through elementary school. The social environment a kid is exposed to in infancy, and early childhood has been shown to have a lasting impact on the child’s cognitive development, even after the family has relocated to a new community. For instance, a child’s cognitive development and academic performance can be negatively impacted even if the family relocates to a more affluent area later in life if they spend their formative years in a low-income area (Luecken, Roubinov, & Tanaka, 2013). Even if they are raised in a more affluent community, children whose parents were raised in low-income areas are disadvantaged in cognitive development and academic achievement compared to their peers.

What a child does while they are young shapes who they become and shows in everything they do. Those with socially supportive relationships are more likely to take the initiative daily. A child’s drive to pursue social objectives can be affected by their peers’ support, while their motivation to pursue academic goals can be affected by their teachers’ support (Repetti, Taylor, & Seeman, 2002). Children’s motivation and persistence in school are influenced by their families’ expectations and belief in their ability to succeed. As a result, the people around a child significantly impact their behavior and how well they are equipped to succeed in today’s competitive world.

Furthermore, the consequences of a child’s social environment include social withdrawal, feelings of rejection, and panic attacks. On the other hand, a child nurtured in a healthy, loving environment will develop into a productive member of society (Luecken, Roubinov, & Tanaka, 2013). A child will learn to value his peers, make friends, use his imagination, and expand his vocabulary. As a precursor to the person they will become, a child’s early experiences with others are crucial. If a child has trouble making friends as a toddler, they’re usually the same as adults. Thus, it is recommended that parents regularly give a pleasant environment for their children to assist them in interacting properly with others in society.

Effects of Physical Environment on Child Development

The child’s physical environment matter as they develop. Their growth can be stunted by contact with poisons like alcohol, narcotics, tobacco, and so on. A child’s environment at home and in the community can have a significant impact on their development and success in school. Evans (2006) claims that children’s growth is profoundly affected by the built environment of their communities. Housing and neighborhood quality, noise, and crowding are all factors. Children thrive in settings that encourage the use of large muscle groups and social engagement. Moreover, the physical environment mitigates the negative effects of persistent stress on children’s development.

Noise exposure negatively affects children’s learning, especially regarding reading, cognitive growth, physiological indicators, and motivational tasks. Transportation, music, and other people are children’s most prevalent sources of background noise (Ferguson et al., 2013). Chronic and acute noise exposure also impacts cognitive development, particularly long-term memory, especially if the task is complicated. Depending on the background noise level, short-term memory may be less impacted. Children adjust to chronic noise by dismissing or ignoring auditory data (Gubbels et al., 2011). When children use this method to deal with stress, they risk missing out on a crucial part of learning to read: adult conversation. Children’s reading skills and other areas that rely on their ability to understand spoken language suffer.

The noise levels indirectly impact adults and educators who spend the most time with children. Teachers at schools with excessive noise levels report feeling exhausted, annoyed, and impatient with students. Teachers at noisy schools have more difficulty concentrating on their lessons and have a shorter attention span overall. When children are subjected to continuous, loud noise, their blood pressure and stress hormone levels increase. Even four-year-old are less motivated to complete difficult pre-reading and language tasks when exposed to persistent noise.

Human health, psychological well-being, motivation, intellectual growth, and physiological indicators are all impacted by overcrowding. Researchers have not identified family size as a major contributor to overcrowding. Generally, children are more prone to disengage from activities in crowded places. If a child is in an overstimulating environment, they may resort to withdrawal behavior. There is a correlation between overcrowding and changes in parenting styles. Children in overcrowded families tend to receive less attention from their parents. Parents of various socioeconomic backgrounds show signs of being unresponsive to their young children as early as their first year. Relationship stress between parents and their children is another effect of overcrowding. Overcrowded households are associated with more punitive parenting practices, which influences the amount of suffering among children.

Overcrowding children in a room might be stressful for their developing brains. In addition to having more behavioral issues at school, children in the elementary school age range who live in overcrowded households show higher levels of psychological distress. Overcrowding causes emotional distress in children (Yang et al., 2021). These effects will be magnified if children are part of a large, multifamily system. Children’s drive to get things done can be dampened by constant crowding. Children’s motivating behavior falls, and they show signs of learned helplessness regardless of family income. This is the assumption that one has no control over one’s condition and, as a result, makes no effort to improve it.

Some studies have examined how several factors affect children’s growth, including housing and neighborhood quality. Compared to those who live in single-family homes, families who opt for high-rise apartments typically have fewer friends and acquaintances in the area. There is a correlation between middle school students’ levels of psychological distress and the degree to which their home lives in disarray, according to studies that have looked at the role of housing and neighborhood quality in children’s environments.

Effects of Biological Environment on Child Development

Multiple elements, internal and external to the child, contribute to their growth and development. When it comes to child development, biological variables might be crucial. There is a strong biological connection between a child’s environment and their genes, gender, nutrition, and hormones. A child is affected both positively and negatively by these circumstances. Pregnancy and early childhood are particularly vulnerable to a child’s development, but they can have lasting effects (Repetti, Taylor, & Seeman, 2002). Both the fetal environment and the postnatal environment have an impact on a child’s cognitive and language development. In addition, postnatal influences are thought to have a minor effect on the development of gross motor skills, which are thought to be the product of innate, biological causes.

Inheritance from both parents is present in every human being from conception. The characteristics of an individual’s physical makeup are encoded in their genes (Ferguson et al., 2013). One can be tall or short, light or heavy, small or big, with either curly or straight hair, large or small eyes, and any physique. These characteristics shine through as a person develops and ages. The next generation can inherit not just physical traits but also personality and IQ. However, these characteristics and their development are susceptible to modification by the child’s biological environment and upbringing. A child will develop into extroverted and carefree adults if they are constantly exposed to good influences.

Some diseases can be traced back to a parent’s ancestry and be inherited by their offspring. Because of these obstacles, one’s personal development may be stunted. A few prevalent examples include cancer, cardiovascular illness, and diabetes. Yang et al. (2021) argue that while this may sound frightening, there are steps one can take to reduce the likelihood that the child may have these issues. Prenatal care is one approach in which the expecting woman is examined frequently before giving birth. Doctors may be able to prevent or alleviate complications later in pregnancy if they detect them early on.

Hormones are another factor that plays a role in a child’s development. These hormones, in turn, are affected by the biological environment in which the child is raised. According to Halfon & Hochstein (2002), humans are sensitive to many hormones controlling how much they grow and develop. Growth hormone is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a significant role in the development of children. It encourages the skeleton to get longer, which ultimately leads to an increase in height. Similarly, men’s and women’s reproductive systems depend on sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. In the interim, stable development is maintained by hormones produced by the thyroid.

A hormonal imbalance in a child can potentially impair their development, but this is something that can be addressed medically. In the case of a child with a hormone imbalance, regular doctor visits are essential and strongly advised. One can take a pill or get an injection. In a biological environment, a person’s food also significantly affects the development of their hormones. When a person is either too thin or too heavy, their hormone levels become unbalanced (Nguyen et al., 2018). Consequently, one may wish to consult a nutritionist for advice on encouraging the child to eat healthily.

Their diet greatly impacts a child’s overall development. A mother’s nutrition and health are particularly important in the months following her delivery. Taking 400 micrograms of folic acid every day for three months before conception and during early pregnancy has significantly reduced the risk of specific brain and spine birth abnormalities (Nguyen et al., 2018). Women of reproductive age should consume at least 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, as these birth problems manifest in the first few weeks of pregnancy. It may be too late when a woman realizes she is pregnant.

Finally, a child’s biological growth and development are profoundly affected by gender. As individuals approach puberty, there are noticeable differences between boys and females. Numerous major distinctions physically exist between them. Human reproduction practices are one such example. Unlike boys, who continue to have flat chests, girls’ chests expand and become more prominent as they mature (Yang et al., 2021). The appearance of Adam’s apple in males signals the beginning of manhood. Not only does a child’s body develop and change, but so does their personality. During this crucial time, girls tend to show physical and emotional development symptoms before boys do. Rebellion and an identity crisis are typical around this time (Gubbels et al., 2011). Consequently, parents must have a wide range of information available throughout this transition period. Understanding the changes that occur throughout puberty can help parents cope with their children.

Effects of Familial Environment on Child Development

The familial environment in which a child grows and develops is crucial to that child’s success. A child’s development, education, and curiosity are all facilitated by a stable, loving home life. In contrast, a child’s intellectual, social, and emotional growth may be stunted by a chaotic household (Yang et al., 2021). Lack of a nurturing familial environment during a child’s formative years has been linked to delayed language and cognitive development, behavioral issues, and under-preparedness for school. Long-term outcomes such as high school completion, adolescent parenting, and adult work and wages are connected to a child’s early familial environment. Furthermore, children’s brains can develop if they are exposed to adversity or stress.

All children, whether raised by their biological parents, grandparents, or foster care, have the same basic needs and deserve the same level of love, care, and respect. As the primary caretakers, families greatly influence children’s emotional and social growth. Reading to a child, playing with a child, and having meaningful conversations with a child all contribute to the child’s development in good ways (Halfon, & Hochstein, 2002). Children from abusive or neglectful homes are less likely to flourish. These children may grow up to be adults with impaired social skills and relationship formation abilities. One of the drawbacks of what’s known as “helicopter parenting” is that it leaves children helpless and dependent on their parents far into adulthood.

A child’s healthy growth and brain development are encouraged by their loving, emotionally supportive, and intellectually stimulating family environment. It is common for single-parent households to have lower financial and emotional resources. A parent’s capacity to offer a nurturing environment for their child’s growth and development may be compromised by the demands of their professional and personal lives (Yang et al., 2021). In this situation, a child’s ability to love and be loved and self-love issues will be affected by the environment in which they are raised. When it comes to a child’s growth and development, nothing is more important than the familial environment. Children thrive when their parents are kind and supportive. A child learns from their parents how to love and be loved from an early age.

The development of a child’s whole character is enhanced by the presence of a stable, loving adult figure in their life. A child’s development should be consistently positive to develop healthy, loving skills (Luecken, Roubinov, & Tanaka, 2013). Places where children spend a lot of time, such as daycares, schools, and churches, should always make an effort to be ecologically friendly. The typical outcome for a child raised in an abusive home is an inability to love either themselves or others. The quality of their familial environment influences a child’s ability to express love and affection. It is difficult for a child to learn how to express care and affection when they witness their parents continuously arguing and raising their voices in front of them. Teachers in schools, for instance, should avoid yelling at students and instead talk to them nicely to help them realize their errors and, if appropriate, offer an apology. Shouting at children increases their dread and anxiety, affecting their ability to love others and themselves.

The foundations in the family environment prepare a child for life in the wider world. A child will internalize the beliefs and values of their parents as they develop a sense of identity. The criteria we look for in new relationships are often based on our experiences with our families. Suppose a child’s parents and other close relatives treat them with kindness, open communication, and a positive attitude. In that case, that child is more likely to look for those characteristics in romantic partners outside the family (Luecken, Roubinov, & Tanaka, 2013). It has also been established that a child who spends more time with their family grows up more friendly and happier. The support of family members can also help boost a child’s confidence. A child growing up in a loving, united family is better prepared to take on the world. These characteristics in a family have been linked to children’s improved verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Finally, parents and guardians can significantly impact their children’s academic success. Early parental involvement in their children’s education has been linked to better academic outcomes. In addition, parents can aid in a child’s continued development by stressing the importance of schoolwork and rewarding academic success (Luecken, Roubinov, & Tanaka, 2013). A child raised in a stable, loving home will likely seek out positive relationships, develop strong communication and social skills, do well in school, and achieve lasting personal and professional success. In a family environment, a sense of safety and confidence can be fostered in a child by providing them with routine and structure from an early age. Timetables are useful for accomplishing this. In such a scenario, the kid will have a general idea of when they will eat, take a bath, and go to bed each day. Therefore, a child can relax knowing that their needs will be met with the help of a schedule.

Effects of Emotional Environment on Child Development

Children’s sense of security, belonging, and worth are all components of their emotional environment. All growing children need to know they have a safe space to explore new things, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences without fear of repercussions. Educators of young children need to consider the emotional environment because it helps them realize how important a role, they have in creating a positive setting for learning. Yang et al. (2021) report that children’s emotions significantly impact their ability to perceive, pay attention to, learn, remember, reason, and solve problems. Emotions have a powerful effect on attention, both in terms of influencing the degree to which we pay attention and in terms of driving us to choose specific courses of action.

A child and an adult’s connection benefit from a nurturing emotional atmosphere. Healthy attachments between children and their primary carers predict adult mental well-being. A child’s ability to cope with adversity, regulate their emotions, and form lasting relationships with others depends on the quality of the attachments they form, ideally with their parents but also with their primary work in a daycare setting (Gubbels et al., 2011). In accomplishing this, it will be necessary to establish open lines of communication with the child’s family to learn about the child’s specific requirements and the things that aid in soothing the child.

Some children, such as those who have experienced trauma or loss, witnessed domestic violence between their parents or were victims of abuse, need an exceptionally high level of emotional support from their keyworker throughout their developmental years. For the practitioner, this can be extremely taxing. Staff should have regular supervision from a worker who has been trained to offer supervision, has good active listening skills, and can question thinking to reduce burnout and maximize the quality of care for the child.

Creating a healthy emotional environment is a lifelong process that starts with an infant. Understanding the nature and function of emotions, becoming attuned to one’s emotional state and those around them, and learning to control overwhelming emotions are all part of a healthy emotional environment for a developing child. A child’s expressions of happiness, anger, grief and fear are among the earliest to be observed. Complex feelings such as shyness, surprise, elation, embarrassment, shame, guilt, pride, and empathy appear in children as their sense of self grows (Repetti, Taylor, & Seeman, 2002). Children in school still develop their capacity to recognize and name their emotions and comprehend and control their causes and manifestations. About behavior management, taking into account the emotional setting can be a huge help. Children may benefit from visual representations of the “rules” or limits of the provision to better grasp these details. In this case, there is a need to take pictures of the area and demonstrate to the kids how inappropriate it is to do things like drink and wander around barefoot.

Conclusion

A child’s social, physical, biological, familial, and emotional environments influence a child’s development. Food and nutrition, water and sanitation, disease and immunity, physical and mental development, hope, and security are all aspects of a child’s well-being that are heavily influenced by the natural environment. A child’s development in every area benefit greatly from exposure to positive influences. Therefore, the care of the child should be a top concern from the time of conception until the time of birth. For infants and toddlers diagnosed with special needs, such settings are a crucial part of intervention plans because they help prevent troublesome behaviors from developing in the first place.

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