There are various indicators that a child has developed a sense of self. Such indictors may include having self-conscious emotions like embarrassment, guilt, and shame which is common among infants during early childhood. Also, it is common for children to develop a sense of ownership of people, places, and things. This is in line with the models of attachment whereby the infant responds to sensitive and responsive care-giving (2021SU1-HUDV-1015-A02) . Also, it is a common phenomenon for children to develop stranger wariness, separation anxiety, and distress. As the growth process continues, the infant develops language, sound discrimination, and baby talk which are in line with the sense of self development. Normal infants tend to have vision, hearing, taste, and smell, touch and motion abilities.
How the Sense of Self Changes from Toddlerhood through Early Childhood
According to Lally & Valentine-French (2008) , this period is characterized by the child learning languages. Also, the child develops a greater sense of self and greater independence. The child at this stage begins to understand the workings of the physical environment. The sense of self in this case should be understood through the prisms of belonging. At this stage, the child has a sense of pride in their families (2021SU1-HUDV-1015-A02) . They tend to be emotionally strong as well as developing a sense of self-assurance. Children at this stage also enjoy the influence of their actions on the physical world. The process occurs between 2-6 years.
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How Parents Help a Child to Develop a Sense of Self
A parent can help a child develop a sense of self through the socialization process. This starts from the infant stage whereby the parent acts as the primary caregiver. From there, the parent helps in the process of language development as well as cultural identity. Helping a child develop a sense of self should be done through sensitive and responsive care-giving ( Lally & Valentine-French, 2008). In doing so, a parent can understand the developmental needs of the child and respond accordingly.
Provide an example of a child (this may be a child you know, or a hypothetical child for this post) that includes their age and how they demonstrate a sense a self.
Nancy is a 2-year-old-girl. Her mother has found it difficult to leave her in the company of strangers. More so, she seems to hate people who speak loudly which makes her cry. Interestingly, she tends to hate strong tastes and smells like perfumes.
This demonstrates that Nancy has developed a sense of self. She is aware of her family whereby she has developed a strong attachment. Also, she is significantly a difficult child thanks to her irregular rhythmicity, high activity levels and wanting approach-withdrawal. She has developed strong senses of taste and smell.
References
(2021SU1-HUDV-1015-A02) Human Development: Introductory.
Lally, M., & Valentine-French, S. (2008). Lifespan development . McGraw-Hill Primis Custom Publishing. http://dept.clcillinois.edu/psy/LifespanDevelopment.pdf
