Child Development: Biological, Psychological And Cultural Differences

Child development refers to the biological, psychological and emotional changes that occurs in each human at the start of birth until the end of adolescence. It has a predictable process but is unique for every child. Numerous factors influence child development including cultural norms and peer groups. Parents also play an important role in their child’s development. Young children develop a sense of self from their perceptions of important people around them, including parents, teachers, and peers. As infants mature and interact with their parents, they develop either optimistic or pessimistic beliefs about human relationships (Moss et al., 2004). Children whose parents are caring and attentive to their needs usually develop a secure attachment

These cultural differences in attachment are most likely due to different views on how to raise children and the importance of close-knit family interactions. The behavior of a child is usually a representation of the kind of parenting style. An authoritative parent is one who sets rules and consistently enforces them, but also allows the child to have a fair amount of freedom. As a result, children tend to develop high self-esteem and self-confidence. An authoritarian parent imposes many rules, demands strict obedience and harshly punishes their child for breaking any rules. Children who have authoritarian parents seem to be passive, moody, fearful and withdrawn. Permissive parents allow their children to make their own rules and gives in to the children’s desires. As a result, permissive parents produce children who are immature and the lack of self-discipline undermines the children’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Peer groups also impact a child’s development. Peers may strongly determine preference in the way of dressing, speaking, using illicit substances, sexual behaviour, adopting and accepting violence as well as criminal and anti-social

Cultural norms also have an influence on child development. Cultural norms are defined as standard or acceptable behaviors and attitudes expressed by a group of people, such as citizens of a country, a clique in school or a tribe. In the United States, people are taught that they can do whatever they set their mind to. As a child develops, they realize that they can be whatever they want to be. However, in countries like China children will study only what their parents want them to study. Also, if there are two children in the family and not enough money for both to go to school or university, it will be the boy who goes to school. They are also not permitted (by law) to marry until they are 22 and 20 years old respectively. As you can see, there are many factors that influence a child’s development. I believe the most difficult issue that worries a parent the most is when their child decides to hang with the wrong crowd. Many parents I know find it hard to manage such behavior and will express grief while also trying to prevent their adolescent from being together with the wrong peers, finally they change to become a virtual attraction for their teenage