Childhood is a developmental stage between birth and adolescence. The above is a period of rapid development in which the child in question develops physically, mentally, emotionally and socially (Berk, 2017). There are about four concrete stages of development in which normative child development occurs. On the other hand, however, a child might skip or fail to undergo the four phases within the period that such growth is expected to occur. The above might be as a result of disabilities that influences the normal functioning of some parts of the child’s body. In handling individuals in the age group mentioned above, there are related ethical considerations that have to be adhered to for the child to be given a safe space for holistic development. Besides, at the later stage of development, there is a need for counselors to play a significant role in guiding adolescence who might face a myriad of challenges inherent in that specific stage.
Developmental Stages in Childhood
Infancy
Infancy is generally the period between childbirth until the baby is around two years. The above is one of the stages in which the child is considered delicate and needs more care than in all other phases. After birth, they have to be nursed through breastfeeding. Later they are weaned as their digestive system develops enough to digest a variety of foods. Regarding cognitive development, the above stage is referred to the sensorimotor stage. According to Piaget, the sensory aspects of a child significantly develop during this period. The above is mainly because the infant depends on the senses of touch feeling, sight and smell not only to interact with its environment but to learn how to associate things. As the child's brain develops through interaction with the environment, he or she also grows physically. The first milk teeth start developing at about six months, they start sitting down and a few months later, their motor skills are enhanced as they crawl and start walking.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Early Childhood
Early childhood is the period between 2 and 6 years. Continued cognitive, physical and emotional development is eminent here (Berk, 2017). The child grows in height and becomes a bit thinner. Posture as well as balance greatly improves as the child learns to walk. Besides, they become more coherent as their language skills continue to develop. They start associating with others through play. Cognitively, their memory develops and they become adept in associating the past and the future. Besides, they start learning several aspects and when taking to preschool classes, they can accomplish simple tasks such as painting.
Late Childhood
In terms of cognitive development, Piaget terms this stage as a concrete developmental stage. It is usually between 7 and 11 years. A child starts developing logical skills, though they might be limited. In addition, they are eager to learn from other people. They can hence undertake activities such as cooking upon observing how the adults do. They make friends and tend to group themselves during play in accordance to their interests. At this stage, depending on how early they were taught, they can read and write.
Puberty
Puberty is a developmental stage between 12 and 16 years. It marks the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood. A child grows both physical, mentally and emotionally to a large extent. Changes in this stage are evident physically, and through the behavior the adolescent in question portrays (Berk, 2017). The changes in girls and boys are distinctly different except that there a few that are similar. In boys, physical changes are evidenced by broadening of the shoulders, deepening of their voices, development, and enlargement of reproductive parts, wet dreams among others. On the other hand, in girls, the enlargement of breast tissue is evident. They also start to menstruate among others changes. Both boys and girls witness growth in pubic hair and attraction to the opposite sex, a development aspect that is emotional. Also, most become defiant and want to act like adults. Peer influence is mostly present at this stage.
Possible Disabilities during Childhood
The different types of disabilities that might be experienced in childhood include physical disabilities such as deafness, blindness, inability or delayed walking among others. Mental disabilities could consist of learning disabilities as well as other severe conditions such as autism and Down syndrome. All of the above significantly affect the healthy development of a child to a large extent. It is highly necessary that when a child is identified to be disabled in one way or another, early intervention is sought to reduce the severity of the condition in question on the child’s development.
Ethical Considerations and the Role of a Counselor.
The Environment plays a crucial role in child development. Children should hence be exposed to an environment that encourages positive social, emotional as well as physical development. Children’s guardians and parents should be directly involved in advising their children in various matters in life. Ethical considerations should be taken especially when monitoring children and shielding them from the influence of the media. Although parents should be actively involved in helping out their child to make right decisions with regards to different issues, they should respect their privacy to a large extent.
Counseling and guidance, especially during adolescence help a child to grow morally as well as emotionally. Adolescents should be guided on what changes they should expect at this stage and how to handle them. They should also be warned against engaging in promiscuous behavior as they begin to be attracted to the opposite sex. Although the above is a role that is primarily undertaken by a counselor, he or she should do it ethically without forcing the child in question to give some information, sharing information given to other parties or deliberately intruding to their privacy.
References
Berk, L. (2017). Development through the lifespan . Pearson Education India.
Siegler, R. (2016). Cognitive development in childhood.
