Support emotional and psychological development of children of the same age

1. Support emotional and psychological developmentof children of the same age

2. Understanding of self Emotional and Psychological development • development of an understanding of self and learning how to communicate that self to others. Children need to develop a positive SELF CONCEPT before they can learn to relate positively to others.

3. SELF CONCEPT Understanding of self: • Gender • Physical characteristics • Social attributes (good/naughty) • Children develop these ideas of themselves through their interactions with adults and other children.

4. SELF ESTEEM Refers to the judgements we make about our own worth and value. Also refers to how we think others perceive us.

5. Infants • Erikson’s theory – Stage 1 – trust vs mistrust If the infants physical needs eg. food, rest and comfort are met in appropriate timely manner they will develop a trusting primary attachment and relationship This will provide the foundation for emotional development

6. SELF CONCEPT TODDLERS By about 15 months toddlers • can recognise themselves in the mirror • become excited if they see themselves in a photograph As language develops toddlers begin to talk about themselves with regard to • Gender • Their physical characteristics (being “big” or “strong” • Their social attributes (being “good” or “naughty”)

7. Self Esteem in Toddlers Begins to emerge in the toddler’s second year. • At 2 years of age children will seek acknowledgement of their achievements eg. A toddler who climbs to the top of the climbing frame may call out for the caregiver to see. If a toddler receives encouragement he/she is likely to learn to feel good about him/herself. If the toddler is constantly criticised he/she will learn to doubt him/herself. (Erikson)

8. Self concept in preschool years Developing a more complex picture of self. Start to see themselves as part of the wider community eg. Big school Eg begin to talk about themselves in a similar way to adults – role play

9. SELF ESTEEM IN THE PRESCHOOL YEARS Preschool children • have a good understanding that they are growing and changing all the time • understand that although they may not be able to achieve something this time they may be able to when they are older or taller/bigger. Eg. “When I am 5 I will be able to ride my bike all by myself”

10. SELF ESTEEM IN THE PRESCHOOL YEARS cont. • If preschool children receive negative criticism for small mistakes they are likely to perceive themselves as bad • If preschool children receive constant criticism (negative or positive) they become very dependant on receiving feedback rather than being able to judge and evaluate their own accomplishments/behaviour

11. SELF CONCEPT IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD • More sophisticated ideas about themselves. • Learn the difference between themselves and their friends not only physical but also psychological. • Learn their thoughts and feelings may differ from thoughts and feeling of others. • Can distinguish between their psychological and physical self.

12. SELF CONCEPT IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD cont. • Tend to describe themselves in terms of their specific abilities and characteristics. Eg. “I am good at football but not so good at tennis.” • Children develop these ideas of themselves from feedback they get from others. • Friends and peer group become increasingly influential. • Greater understanding of their role and where they fit in the family / community.

13. SELF CONCEPT IN MIDDLE CHILDHOOD cont. • Self Esteem often drops in middle childhood – caregivers and parents must work harder to ensure children are encouraged and acknowledged.

14. Caregivers can CAREGIVERS CAN HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP POSITIVE SELF ESTEEM BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR OWN INTEREST AND CAPABILITIES