This paper is intended to answer the question of what the effects are of non -normative life events on preschoolers and middle childhood aged children; cognitively and socioemotionally. This is very dear to me as I have two young children as well as older step children that have dealt with medical conditions with their father and I, as well as divorce with my older step children.
Many factors in a child’s life from birth to adulthood can impact how they grow not only cognitively, but socioemotionally. As many children are different, so are their ways in which they react in different non-normative life events. “Non-Normative events are unexpected or unforeseen events that occur atypically or unpredictably, with no apparent relationship to other life events, and to some but not all members of a developmental cohort. Still, non-normative life events occur in a context of normative developmental events and each can influence the other in significant ways” (Corr, and Corr, 2013).
Children in loving caring homes may cope with the loss of their family pet better than a homeless child whose dog followed them around until it passed away. A child’s social and cognitive development will impact them emotionally. “Children encounter the deaths of others that are significant in their lives. Such deaths include those of grandparents or parents, siblings or peers, friends or neighbors, teachers and other school personnel, and pets or wild animals. Many adults undervalue the prevalence and importance of such deaths for children. However, these experiences of childhood and adolescence can have immediate impact and long-term significance” (Corr, and Corr, 2013). Children often view divorce the same as the loss felt in a death.
Death is not the only non-normative event that can cause issues in childhood development. An injury of a loved one or illness, and
Cited: Corr, C. A., and D. M. Corr. N.p.. Web. 10 Jun 2013. . N.p.. Web. 10 Jun 2013. . Pickhardt, C. N.p., n. d. 11 Jun 2013. . Santrock, John. Life-Span Development. 13th ed. Dallas, TX: the Mcgraw-Hill Com, Inc, 2011. Print.