Workplace Topics

Understanding Infants and Toddlers

As new couple who planned to raise children, it is necessary for you to understand them because this will prevent lots of conflicts that may possibly occurs in parent - child relationship. This article intended to focus on different children’s behavior as well as concepts related to their pattern of growth and development.

Human development is guided with lots of theories. Sigmund Freud, the proponent of psychosexual development stresses that unconscious motivation as well as early childhood experiences is essential in molding one’s behavior. While in Erik Erickson's psychosocial development theory, he incorporated culture, society as well as environment in human development. To further understand all of these, some important notes are enumerated below.

Infant (1 month to 1 year)

Psychosexual development: According to Freud, this is the oral stage wherein pleasure is achieved through non-nutritive sucking. So to meet their desired needs, provide pacifiers that composed of lead - free materials to prevent potential hazard on baby’s health.

Psychosocial development: Based on Erik Erikson, their task is trust vs mistrust. It means that babies must learn to trust their primary caregiver. So how do we help in accomplishing their task? To support them, we must consistently provide their basic needs. Parents, as a primary caregiver of these infants, should learn how to take care properly of their offspring. Babies have strong sense, if they feel that you are sincere in caring them, they’ll probably trust you.

Cognitive development: Piaget stressed that this is sensorimotor stage. It means that children acquired knowledge through interaction with objects. So basically, they learn through the use of play and activities. To aid them, provide some stuff and cuddly toys that have color pattern of red, black and white. Why? Because their vision is 20/200 and using this kind of hue will help them appreciate those materials.

Toddler (12 months - 36 months)

Psychosexual development: This is anal stage wherein children starts to learn toilet training. Teach them how to eliminate bowel in a non threatening way. For example, use token system. If they follow your instruction very well, give them a reward. However, if they disobeyed your rules punishment must be given. So what’s the significance of this? Toddlers who discipline in a wrong way would possibly lead to obsessive - compulsive type of behavior or learn passive aggressive attitude.

Psychosocial development: Their task is autonomy vs shame and doubt. Because of this, they more likely to manifests negativism and temper tantrums. Experts stated that if toddlers have temper tantrums with no apparent reason, try to ignore them. However, to prevent frequent irritation, provide diversion through means of toys. Inflatable toys like indoor house bounce is good. Why? Because they encourage children’s participation while providing safety. Inflatable materials are made of structure fabric that can hold pressurized air enough to provide cushion to users. If you are problematic on its high cost, try on some stores who offers inflatable bouncers wholesale.

Parenting is really difficult but rewarding. All we need to do is to understand our children behavior and love them unconditionally.