It is important for every parent to understand early childhood psychology. This is necessary so that the overall development of children can be maximized, both in terms of character, intelligence, and emotional.
Early childhood is a period of growth and development of children in the first 1000 days of life until they reach the age of about 5 to 7 years. At this time, children experience rapid development, ranging from physical, cognitive, to emotional terms.
Knowing Child Development and Its Influence on Child Psychology
There are three aspects of early childhood development that affect child psychology, namely:
1. Physical growth
The growth and development of physical abilities in early childhood is strongly influenced by heredity and environmental factors. At this time, it is important to create an environment that stimulates growth by allowing children to explore and try new things.
At this time also, parents need to recognize the stage of growth and development of children's abilities, for example at what age should children be able to talk, sit, stand, crawl, and walk.
2. Cognitive growth
A child's cognitive development has begun to be recognized when he is able to learn and understand the sounds, colors, shapes of an object, and the language used in everyday life around him.
At this time, the child's imagination and memory will also continue to develop. As children age and develop their brains, children will also become more proficient in learning to remember, recognize the voices of people around them, show emotions, and think.
3. Social, cultural and emotional growth
Social, cultural, and emotional development are three interrelated sides. This development usually involves the acquisition of values, habits, ways of life, and skills that affect the child's character throughout his life.
Social and cultural development also affects the way children relate to other people, including parents, family members, peers, and the surrounding community. This aspect is also greatly influenced by the child's parenting style.
Beware of the Impact of Psychological Trauma on Children
In order to grow and develop normally, as well as to become healthy individuals and have good character, children need nutritional support, psychological support, and good parenting styles from their parents.
On the other hand, if you experience psychological trauma at an early age, for example due to physical violence, emotional or sexual abuse, or psychological abuse, your child may experience disturbances at the stage of mental, emotional, or physical development.
Trauma or abuse that affects the child's psychological condition can be done by anyone, including those closest to the child, such as parents, siblings, or caregivers.
Some examples of psychological abuse in children include calling children negative names, insulting children, humiliating, threatening children with violence, bullying, and neglecting or neglecting children.
Not only poor mental development, the impact of child psychological abuse can also make it difficult to establish social relationships with others, often have problems at school, or even have deviant behavior.
In addition, psychological trauma can also make children more at risk of becoming insecure and developing various mental disorders, such as anxiety disorders, severe stress, depression, PTSD, and even attempted suicide. So, you should not underestimate the psychological abuse of children.
If your child shows fear or avoids you, doesn't want to listen to you, doesn't seem willing to interact or is less enthusiastic about socializing with other people, or experiences sudden changes in behavior, you should consult a child psychologist.
The earlier psychological problems in children are detected, the sooner treatment can be given. This is important so that children can grow and develop properly.
