Child Development Reflection Paper - Essay Example

Task: Early childhood care and mental health The concepts highlighted in the first four chapters of The Young Child, the class videos and discussions centers mainly on early mental development, effects later in life, methods of enhancing mental health and long time developmental stages. An individual relies on the environment to shape his mental health from childhood through to adulthood. The environment in this context implies the social interaction between an individual and the loved ones.

The caregiver is main determinant in the child’s psychological well being. Physical and emotional interaction accorded to the child determines the child ability to adapt to the social environment and determines the child’s ability to self sustain emotionally. As presented by Mary Ainsworth, a child reacts to strangers in various manners. If the child feels secure, he will interact with the stranger. If he does not feel secure, he will either avoid the stranger or resist any attempt by the stranger to make contact vehemently.

Such a child requires close monitoring and encouragement in social matters. Adjusting to situations by an individual is easier when a caregiver satisfied a child emotionally. Neglect of a child’s concerns alternatively results in an adult who lacks the ability to handle occurrences in life. The later will experience suicidal tendencies and antisocial behavior while his counterpart, who had ‘better’ upbringing will be outspoken. The development process through the eight stages depicted by Erik H.

Erikson becomes very troubling for this individual due to unresolved childhood conflict. Forming secondary attachments such as finding a spouse forms a platform that is beyond childhood. As John Bowlby indicates, this gives the individual a second chance of developing social skills. However, this becomes difficult for personalities not fulfilled emotionally as child. Child assessment as discussed by Pucketh helps a parent determine the special needs for each child and act appropriately. The caregivers must fully understand the child in order to guide him through challenges.

A child will create a connection to the mother depending on how much the parent (caregiver) encourages him. This early relationship should be a two-way relationship. Involving the child in activities that improve the child’s confidence ensures smooth life for the baby later.Challenges by the material The concepts discussed present certain challenges to the learner. Many things that people take for granted characterize the human social life. Children sometimes seem annoying. Their cries for attention seem misguided by the fact that the child does not understand the seriousness of caregiver’s action.

As a result, the caregiver ignores the child until he becomes tired of crying and sleeps. Having learned the mental health concepts, one understands that a child needs more than food, shelter, clothing and education.Application of the concepts in early care and education practice Implementation of mental health enhancement measures is applicable in early care and education practice. It involves assessing each child individually and formulating a foolproof plan to assist the child. The teacher or caregiver must not impose themselves on the children.

Instead, they should create a friendly environment to allow the children time to build trust and eventually become comfortable in their presence. The child will also discuss their problems with the adult freely. It is vital to note that building a trusting relationship between the child and the adult is a two-way practice, thus the caregivers should be patient with the child. Government policies should also be formulated to encourage practices that consider not only the child’s education rights but also social upbringing (Pucketh 3).

Works CitedPucketh, Margaret B. Meaningful Assessments of the Young Child: Celebrating Development and Learning. New York: Pearson Higher Ed, 2007. Print