Lifespan Development and Personality Paper

Lifespan Development and Personality Paper

University of Phoenix

January 4, 2011

PSY/103

Lifespan Development and Personality Paper

The changes in behavior and structure from womb to tomb describe physical and cognitive development. We will focus on the toddler years because more is known about that stage, but it is now clear that there are interesting changes across the life span. An individual learns the most from birth to about three years of age so it is important that these years are really focused upon and spent teaching your children the important things in life.

During early childhood stages, children go through a swift growth that is influenced significantly by their environment. You will find that many adults that are faced with physical and mental health issued can trace them back to early childhood. This is due to lack of healthy eating and exercise and also living with those who are emotionally, or physically, abused.

As a lack of this poor development, many children do not do well in school and this follows over to their adulthood when finding a job. You will find that many of these children that face poor development have a lower income than their peers. The reason being is that there are more than 200 million children each year that are from newborn to five years old that fail to reach their full social and cognitive potential.

Early childhood is the most important period for a child's brain to develop to its full potential. Adequate nutrition and also stimulation is an essential part for the brain to development like it should during a child's first three years.

It is during these years that a child's brain is most responsive to the influences of the outside environment. Speedy brain development affects cognitive, social and emotional growth. Such development helps to ensure that each child reaches his or her potential and is a productive part of a rapidly changing, global society.

"Many factors can disrupt early child development. Four risk factors affect at least 20-25% of infants and young children in developing countries: malnutrition that is chronic and severe enough to cause growth stunting; inadequate stimulation or learning opportunities; iodine deficiency; and, iron deficiency anemia. Other important risk factors are malaria, intrauterine growth restriction, maternal depression, exposure to violence, and exposure to heavy metals," (WHO, 2009).

It is important for an infant to have an emotional bond with his/her caregiver for their own well-being. When there is a lack of attachment to a certain caregiver, this can negatively impact the effects on brain development and cognitive functioning. That is why it is important to always interview and research any nanny or daycare that you leave your child in to make sure you are leaving them in capable, loving hands.

Neglect and constant bickering and/or yelling can seriously hinder ones potential. A child needs to be in a caring, responsible environment to protect them from such harms. Parents play a lead role to show this type of support to a child. They are the key to success or failure, especially during the toddler years. Children watch and mimic most of what they see and hear, that is why it is important to promote and environment of praise and learning versus neglect and punishment.

Early child development (ECD) interventions