EMOTIONAL DEVEOPMENT THE FIRST YEAR

Emotional Development  The process of learning to recognize and express one’s feelings and learning to establish one’s identity and individuality.

Social Development  The process of learning to interact with others and to express oneself to others.

Emotional Development  Follows predictable patterns according to each baby’s individual timing.  Two other important influences are:  1. the type of care the baby receives  when an infants needs are met a baby learns to trust parents and caregivers and will grow into a child who can trust himself/herself and into an adult who can establish and maintain caring relationships with others.  Attachment bonding is most crucial in the first 2 months of life but fully formed until age 2.

 2. the atmosphere of the home  Affection and harmony between parents, caregivers, and all family members is the bases for successful family life.  Each child needs to be loved as an individual

Failure to Thrive  A condition in which a baby fails to grow and develop properly resulting from a lack of love and attention.  This children maybe unable to develop caring, meaningful relationships with others, even with psychological help.

Temperament  A person’s unique nature.  It will determine how a baby reacts to others and to the world.  There are nine different temperament traits.  Everybody has each trait to a greater or lesser degree.

 Intensity  How strong or weak are the child’s responses to events or people?  Intense children react loudly, may cry loudly.  Persistence  How determined is a child to complete an action?  A persistent child will get upset if unable to finish a project. They are goal oriented and unwilling to give up easily. Doesn’t accept no for an answer.  Less persistent children accept no for an answer.

 Sensitivity  How strongly does a child react to his or her feelings?  A highly sensitive child has strong reactions.  Fussy eaters, complains about uncomfortable clothing.  Bothered by lights, sounds, or smells.

 Perceptiveness  Perceptive children are:  Aware of their environment.  Easily distracted.  Have a hard time following directions with different steps.  Adaptability  Children low in adaptability resist change.  Highly adaptable child isn’t bothered by surprises.

 Regularity  Highly regular get tired an go to sleep at the same time each evening.  Go to the bathroom at the same time.  Get hungry at the same time. Energy High-energy children are physically active. Squirm and move around even when sitting. Prefer to run rather walk.

 First reaction  In facing new situations some children jump right in. Open to new activities and will try new foods.  Others hold back and watch what others do before joining in.  Mood  Cheerful or not.  Some have a positive outlook while others point out problems.

 Problems arise when the adult’s temperament conflicts with the child’s.  Understanding such differences can prevent such clashes.  Care givers need to be able to adapt to the temperament of the child.

Crying  The most obvious sign of an infant’s emotions.  Attention and care is needed  1 st check for any physical problems  Hunger, diaper change, too hot or too cold  If none of these the infant needs cuddling  Comforting techniques provided by caregiver  1. rocking  2. move baby to a new position

 Comforting techniques provided by caregiver  1. rocking  2. move baby to a new position  3. talk softly to the baby, or sing  4. offer a toy to interest and distract the baby  5. Place baby facedown across your legs as you sit in a chair.

 Babies Own Comforting techniques  Sucking on thumbs, fist, or pacifier  Soft blanket or stuffed toy  Twisting their hair  Rocking themselves back and forth in their crib

 Babies range of emotions is limited at birth  Pleasure or satisfaction – baby is quiet  Pain or discomfort – baby cries  By the 2 nd month babies produce different cries for different feelings.

Colic  Babies who are extremely fussy may have colic.  This baby cries a lot and can’t be comforted.  Occurs usually between 6pm and midnight.  Seems to be the worst around 6 weeks of age.  Not sure what causes colic, maybe due to gas collecting in their stomachs or from certain foods.