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Back to Simple Talk for Parents
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Understanding
the stages of child development is important for parents. It helps you help your child develop as
nature intended. This, in turn, will
make you calmer and reassure you that difficult phases won’t last
forever. Here are some examples of
the typical stages of child development. The Obstinate State. This is also called the “terrible twos.” It is important for these children to be
negative and rebellious. They are
learning what it means to be an independent person. While this stage can be difficult for children and parents
alike, it will return and repeat itself in adolescence and for the exact same
reason – independence. The Age of Tall Tales. Young children in daycare, kindergarten, or elementary schools
can make up wild stories. They are
discovering the power of their imagination and for them, these stories are
not lies. Learning the difference
between “right and wrong” doesn’t start until at least 6 and it is just the
beginning of a long process. The Age of Best Buddies. Around the years of 7 to 9, children are close to same-sex
friends. They often dress alike, form
clubs, and trade clothes and other belongings. They are learning about acceptance by people that are not “required
to” accept them. In response to
this, children behave like the people that they are seeking acceptance from. “I’m Just Wild About Mom or Dad” Age. It is normal for children to go through
phases where they are closer to one parent over the other. From age 3-5, children are likely to be
closer to the parent of the opposite sex.
This helps them learn their own sex role through the differences from
their opposite sex parent. From about
age 9-10, children learn about their sex roles from the parent of the same
sex. This is natural and there is no
need for a parent to feel left out. Ideas to Help Parents Cope With These Changes
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