Stages of child's psychological development from birth to adolescence

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was consulted with Specialist Doctor I Bui Thi Ha - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
Every child from birth to adulthood and adulthood has to go through different stages of development and physiological changes. If parents do not understand the psychology of children, parents will face many difficulties in the process of educating and orienting their children's psychological development.
In fact, each child at each stage of life will have certain changes. Therefore, understanding children, knowing what they need, and developing psychologically is the first step to help parents get closer to their children. The stages of child psychological development include:

1. Psychological development stage from 0 to 1 year old

As soon as the baby cries out, the baby will begin to learn how to get used to the new environment that is different from when he was in the womb, changes in weather, living environment, sound, light... will make Children gradually form life habits.
In the stage of psychological development of children, they only need to be satisfied by adults with their instinctive needs such as eating, sleeping, walking, playing... Therefore, the closer parents are, the more responsive they are. The child's needs within the allowable limit will have a positive impact on the child's psychology and personality development in the future.
When children are 8 months old or older, children already know how to make simple sounds, know how to distinguish strangers - acquaintances, at this time parents should be closer to children because this is a period when children really need to be loved. , care and care. All the needs of the child, when met by the mother and in a stable living environment, will create a sense of security and good development. On the contrary, if at this stage the mother has psychological instability such as giving birth unexpectedly, ... then it can cause psychological instability for the child.
Even so, not every child's needs need to be met. Let's form for children the habit of following rules and regulations so that children live more responsibly and calmly, children's psychological development will be in a more positive direction.

2. Psychological development stage from 1 to 3 years old

From 1 to 3 years old is the golden stage of child development, at this stage, children have enough understanding and knowledge to be curious about the world around them, they will no longer need to hold or give objects to them. which can self-contact by sensation and movement. Along with language development, children can actively communicate with adults and talk and do.

The psychological development of children from 1 to 3 years old in a positive or negative way depends on the way adults communicate and behave. Children can already understand what their parents and adults say, so speak more loving words to them during this period.

3. Children's psychological development stage from 3 to 6 years old

The process of psychological development of children from 3 to 6 years old is very important. At this stage, babies know how to explore the world around themselves, use everyday objects flexibly, rapidly increase vocabulary, understand what adults say, know how to speak in sentences and ask when they want. want. Children enjoy being fulfilled and having fun, they ask why questions and begin to have their own opinions.
Also in this stage, children's egos have been formed, they begin to perceive gender and often ask questions. Children have also realized their place with others and are free from absolute demands. If parents know how to direct their children to good things at this stage, it will bring great benefits later.

4. The stage of psychological development of children from 6 to 11 years old

The period from 6 to 11 years old is when children start going to school, entering a new environment and must be more active in thinking and using memory. This is an important turning point in the children's future, children who study in a good environment and receive attention and education from their parents will have a better psychological development process.
The process of children's psychological development at this stage will be parallel with the baby's later personality formation, associated with habits and lifestyle. The guidance of teachers and families will help children have conscious behaviors, close themselves to accepted rules, social standards and self-worth. This is the model period, so if parents want to be good for the psychological development of children at this stage, they should act as a role model for the child.

5. Psychological development stage of children from 11 to 16 years old

This is the most volatile period in a child's development. The development of children's psychology at this stage is also quite complicated, influenced and governed by many subjective and objective factors to prepare for the process of puberty and adulthood. It is undeniable that at this stage, children have obvious changes in form (growing up very quickly), psycho-physiology, children will also be interested in these changes of themselves, their consciousness. Self-esteem is considered a new step to help children perceive and evaluate themselves. Children will rely on the evaluation standards of others to see if their behavior and activities are consistent with family and social standards.
At this stage, children are also very sensitive to the judgments of people around them. Therefore, sometimes even a small compliment for a small success will make children become proud, complacent and appreciate themselves. On the contrary, small failures when being criticized can also make them timid and self-deprecating.
The psychological characteristics of adolescents are very complex, so they need the care, support and guidance of adults to help them step by step become autonomous in all activities. A strong emotional support will help children relax and have more positive thoughts during this period.
The psychological development of children in the period from birth to adolescence plays a fundamental role in shaping a child's personality throughout life. Therefore, parents, besides giving children a good physical foundation, try to spend time and dedication to understand and orient their children during this period.
In order for children to be healthy and develop well both mentally and physically, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients that adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiency causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption,... If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.