I will be describing the influences that affect children’s development and the importance of recognising and responding to concerns about their development.
While children are influenced by many things, there are no greater influences than that of their parents. Parents are a child’s first playmate and while their world grows parental influence will always be one of the most determining factors in how the child will grow and develop.
There are many examples that affect children’s development, parental separation can be very traumatic for a child. The child could be affected in all areas of development, emotionally, socially, behaviourally, intellectually, physically and also their communication development. Children from single parent families may suffer as this could cause finances to be difficult, a child may not be provided with sufficient nutritious meals which could hinder their concentration in class affecting their intellectual development, the child may not be able to have the same opportunities as their peers which may cause problems with bullying and social development. However a parent who works long hours could leave little support for the child emotionally and physically. Not having a male role model could impact upon emotional, social and physical development, it could result in unhappiness, low self esteem and lack of confidence in ability.
If a child suffers from poor health/physical impairment or disability this may restrict their opportunities which would affect their physical development. The child could be unable to take part in such things as sports and social activities. As an example, asthma or impaired speech/hearing. This could affect the child in all areas of development, physical, social, emotional and communication which could also result in their behavioural development being affected as frustration may cause the child to misbehave or lash out because they want to join in but physically cannot.
Children