Child psychology

Child psychology is one of the many branches of psychology and one of the most frequently studied specialty areas. This particular branch focuses on the mind and behavior of children from prenatal development through adolescence. Child psychology deals not only with how children grow physically, but with their mental, emotional and social development as well.

Historically, children were often viewed simply as smaller versions of adults. When Jean Piaget suggested that children actually think differently than adults, Albert Einstein proclaimed that the discovery was "so simple that only a genius could have thought of it."

Today, psychologists recognize that child psychology is unique and complex, but many differ in terms of the unique perspective they take when approaching development. Experts also differ in their responses to some of the bigger questions in child psychology, such as whether early experiences matter more than later ones or whether nature or nurture plays a greater role in certain aspects of development.

The Different Contexts of Child Psychology

When you think of development, what comes to mind? If you are like most people, you probably think about the internal factors that influence how a child grows, such as genetics and personal characteristics. However, development involves much more than the influences that arise from within an individual. Environmental factors such as social relationships and the culture in which we live also play essential roles.

Some of the major contexts that we need to consider in our analysis of child psychology include:

• The Social Context: Relationships with peers and adults have an effect on how children think, learn and develop. Families, schools and peer groups all make up an important part of the social context.
• The Cultural Context: The culture a child lives in contributes a set of values, customs, shared assumptions and ways of living that influence development throughout the lifespan. Culture may play a role in how children relate to their parents, the type of education they receive and the type of child care that is provided.
• The Socioeconomic Context: Social class can also play a major role in child development. Socioeconomic status (often abbreviated as SES), is based upon a number of different factors including how much education people have, how much money they earn, the job they hold and where they live. Children raised in households with a high socioeconomic status tend to have greater access to opportunities, while those from households with lower socioeconomic status may have less access to such things as health care, quality nutrition and education. Such factors can have a major impact on child psychology.

Remember, all three of these contexts are constantly interacting. While a child may have fewer opportunities due to a low socioeconomic status, enriching social relationships and strong cultural ties may help correct this imbalance.

Mummy, do you respect me? Respect the kid

So, everything is Ok with friends. Now you should learn, whether the same with adults.
- All system of parental rules (and interdictions!) should be precise and clear for the child. Identical offences entail identical punishments and on the contrary – progress of the kid is never unnoticed.
- Respect personal space of the child. Some families, for example, practice knocking at the door - but, at least, try not to interrupt suddenly children’s games and work.
- Listen and hear! Listen, and then briefly retell history, having finished “Have I correctly understood you?” The kid will understand that you have really listened to him or her.
- Let the child make a choice always whenever possible: juice, sweets, clothes, books and toys.
- Consult with the kid! But only when you can really follow to his or her advice. Otherwise it will be hypocrisy.
- Respect child’s opinion.
- Never punish the kid without understanding the situations and determination of real guilt degree.
- Learn to distinguish, when you kid lies, and when … dreams. The lie, as a rule, has rather pragmatic character and is said with the purpose to avoid punishment or to receive something. Fancies are something opposite. As a rule, they are “indistinct” and colorful

Mummy, do you respect me? Self-esteem

Self-esteem is the best that adults can present to the child. How to explain the kid, what is this and how to learn to respect him- or herself?
Harmonize self-estimation
It is very important for the kid, not less than for the adult person, that self-estimation was adequate, that is allowed to plan effectively the activity, comparing with the opportunities and requirements of outward things.
Certainly, kid’s self-estimation can vary influenced by different circumstances. But parents can help the child to form an adequate self-estimation:
- Sincere acceptance of the kid with all his or her features and habits
- Attention to feelings of the child and to events, important for him or her
- Generosity for the deserved praises