Early Childhood as a Developmental Stage
Early childhood is a crucial period of development for children. It is a time when they attain numerous milestones in the various growth domains, including social, emotional, physical, moral, and cognitive (Immordino-Yang et al., 2018). Parents should therefore provide comprehensive care that will facilitate growth in all aspects.
Various theorists have established various arguments to describe the growth process. As such, they include Jean Piaget, who explains cognitive development in its three steps. In his theory, Kohlberg explains the concept of moral development in early childhood. Therefore, early childhood is a vital period in which various social issues, such as proper nourishment, should be addressed diligently.
Issue Affecting Children During the Early Developmental Stage
One aspect that plays a significant role in the child’s growth is nutrition. A lack of proper nourishment poses a substantial risk to a child’s health and overall development (Keeley et al., 2019). If the child’s body does not receive the appropriate nutrients correctly, it will likely develop low immunity, cognitive impairment, and growth retardation. Further, the child will be weak, physically, and emotionally distressed.
Parents should learn to ensure their children eat well to combat these nutritional issues and promote growth and development. A balanced meal typically includes greens and low-fat products, such as cheese and lean meats (Schwarzenberg et al., 2018). Additionally, children in their early developmental period should drink enough water. Another aspect that can be employed to promote proper nourishment is frequent exercise. Physical activities, such as playing with peers, help the child expend excess calories that the body does not require.
Aspects of Developmental Areas During Early Childhood
Other aspects of growth during early childhood include social, physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Physically, the body undergoes rapid changes, with increases in height and weight. Playing football with peers can promote biological growth.
Children also develop socially and form a sense of identity. A social group, such as scouting, helps ensure the child’s social development needs are met (Pedroso et al., 2022). Furthermore, they undergo emotional development and begin to form feelings for themselves and others. Parents should promote emotional growth by encouraging their children to engage in positive self-talk and self-reflection.
The brain also grows, and the children change their cognitive processes of thought and perception. Activities that can enhance cognitive development include playing simple jigsaw puzzles. Children also develop a sense of morality during early childhood and can define good and evil. Group games enable children to interact with others and learn valuable lessons in morality.
References
Immordino-Yang, M. H., Darling-Hammond, L., & Krone, C. (2018). The Brain Basis for Integrated Social, Emotional, and Academic Development: How Emotions and Social Relationships Drive Learning. Aspen Institute.
Keeley, B., Little, C., & Zuehlke, E. (2019). The state of the world’s children 2019: Children, food and nutrition–growing well in a changing world. UNICEF.
Pedroso, J., dos Anjos Coelho Kubo, S. E., Silva, P. O., Ferreira de Castro, G., Pimentel, J. L., Pérez‐Escamilla, R., Gubert, M. M., & Buccini, G. (2022). Population‐based approaches for monitoring the nurturing care environment for early childhood development: A scoping review. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 18, e13276. Web.
Schwarzenberg, S. J., Georgieff, M. K., Daniels, S., Corkins, M., Golden, N. H., Kim, J. H., Lindsey, C. W.,& Magge, S. N. (2018). Advocacy for improving nutrition in the first 1000 days to support childhood development and adult health. Pediatrics, 141(2). Web.