Emotional and Social Development

of Infants

Child DevelopmentCh. 8 The Developing Child

Objectives

Know How is personality developed & Who/What influences itKnow Who/What will influence social/emotional development.

Comparing Emotional & Social Development

Begin at birth and continue throughout life

Emotional Development: process of learning to recognize and express feelings and establish a unique personal identity.

Social Development: learning self-expression and how to interact with others– Can provide opportunities for interaction

• Ie. Play games with the baby where they can grasp, or use senses

Emotions

Most important influences on emotional and social development are:Bond between parent and child or caregiverThe temperament of childThe atmosphere of the home

1. Emotions become more specific with age2. Newborns express pain or discomfort3. First/second month show different types of

cries

Emotions

1-3 mos. Interest, Sadness4-6 mos. Joy, Disgust9-12 mos. Anger

Building Bonds of Attachment

Attachment: Bond between child and parent….crucial part of emotional development. -Attachment requires more than physical contact

-Communication: Although infants can’t understand words, they respond to caregivers voice, facial expression, and eye contact.

-Lack of contact: Infants who are left alone most of the time, except for basic and physical care, may fail to respond to people and objects. This will results in failure to thrive concept.

Failure to Thrive

Condition when babies fail to grow and develop properlyBrain Development: lack of contact can affect the brain’s development Research found that abused and neglected children had brains 20-30% smaller than average.

Building Bonds of Attachment

Harry Harlow experiment with monkeys. Showed babies need security and warmth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwp&v=hsA5Sec6dAI&NR=1

Bonds of Attachment Erik Erikson: In the 1950’s, Erikson invented the

Stages of Development and said that babies develop trust vs. mistrust in their first year.

First few months the most crucial cause it’s the most fundamental stage of life.

If a child develops trust, they will feel safe & secure. Parents who reject, are emotionally unavailable and

inconsistent will contribute to feelings of mistrust for the child.

Failure to develop trust will result in fear & a belief that the world is inconsistent & unpredictable.

Devleoping a Sense of Trust

Important to build trust through caring for the babyFollow a predictable routineGet to know the baby– Know likes and dislikes, spent time nuturing

Bond with the baby– Talk softly and be physically close when possible

Meet the babies needs– Physical, social, and emotional

Temperament

A person’s unique natureDetermines how a person reacts to others & the world around them. More apparent as they grow up.9 Different Temperament Traits: Intensity, Persistence, Sensitivity, Perceptiveness, Adaptability, Regularity, Energy, First Reaction, and Mood

Colic vs. Reflux

Colic: baby cries a lot and is inconsolableUsually has crying spells at nightSymptoms worse at about 6 weeksUnsure why babies get colic

Reflux: cry that will rise in the throat for particular need; usually comes from throat & diaphragm Listen to cry to figure out what baby needs

Using Pacifiers to Ease Tears

All babies suck thumbs or fingers.– Basic urge for infants

Usually will stop on their own but, if not, can be cause of concern if it results in changes to babies mouth.American Academy of Pediatrics recommends use of pacifer

Crying and Comfort

What do you do when diapers are changed, baby is fed and she still cries?– Cuddle with baby and rock– Sing or talk softly to baby– Offer a toy for interest– Stroke or gently rub back

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO-BcSL2ecM :Baby Language

Stranger Anxiety

Fear of unfamiliar peopleHow to cope with stranger anxiety– Act welcoming toward new person– Speak softly to the baby– Never force a baby to be held by a stranger– Stay close to the baby– Let baby set timetable for adjusting

Exploration to PlayBabies have a need to explore

ie: pull things out of a drawer-Cause and effect: learning that one event causes another eventBabies use play to explore their world-Babies aren’t trying to behave badly, but trying to see what effects these actions cause.

Play Environment

A play environment is a safe and comfortable space with no dangers and with toys that are safe and interesting.

-Choose toys without small parts that aren’t a choking hazard, and toys that stay clean.