What is Child DevelopmentWhat is child development? Here I give you a brief overview of what child development is all about. According to Wikipedia: "Child development refers to the biological and psychological changes that occur in human beings between birth and the end of adolescence, as the individual progresses from dependency to increasing autonomy." 
I would say that child development is the process by which human beings become fully functioning adults. Broadly this includes: learning full use of the body and physical growth, learning how to communicate through language and learning how to live in community with others.Experts divide child development in to three broad categories, these are: Physical Development Intellectual Development, Communication and Learning Social, Emotional and Behavioural Development Personally I would add spiritual development there too, but this is not usually considered until adulthood, if at all!
This is the process of physical growth and learning how to use the body to it's full capacity. Child Development Milestones These are skills that children usually learn at within a certain age band. These milestones allow experts to assess your child's development in comparison to the average child. Take a look at the child development chart on this site for major milestones. Child Speech Development The development of speech is one which makes parenting at once easier and more challenging! Your child can communicate to you what it wants, and they will soon start to get cheeky/sassy! Child Development Theorists There are several important theories of child development that have been developed in the 20th century. The major contributors are: Sigmund Freud Erik Erikson Jean Piaget B. F. Skinner Ivan Pavlov John Bowbly Albert Bandura Lev Vygotsky Child Social Development This is the process by which infants and children learn to live in community with others. Initially the infant will just communicate with their parents but this circle widens as time goes on. Technology and Child Development Technology is an integral part of modern life, so children need to learn how to use it. They usually take to it like a duck to water! Technology can be helpful in assisting the child in the different areas of development. Safety Issues of Child Development There are many safety considerations that come up during the various stages of a child's growth. It is useful to prempt these and get your house ready for the next stage. Child Development Play Play is a child's work. It is through play that children learn and develop so is the most important thing you can do with your child. So, what is child development? It's what a well cared for and loved child will do naturally when all their basic needs are met. Go from What is Child Development to Responsibilities of Motherhood |