Child development is the sequence of physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes that children go through as they grow. These changes take place over time and are influenced by a child's unique biological makeup combined with the cultural, social and physical factors in his or her particular culture, family, and environment.

It is easy to see the changes children go through from birth to early childhood. Children grow physically while they are learning how to react to the world that surrounds them and the people in it.

Why is it important to understand your child's stages of development?

• Being a ware of your child's stages of development can make a caregiver less likely to become frustrated or upset about children's behavior because they will only expect a child to do what they are capable of doing at that stage
• Understanding child development can help prevent physical or emotional abuse that might occur when adults become angry or frustrated with a child's challenging behavior.
• Being aware of your child's developmental stage may create a stronger adult/child bond that can help promote greater family harmony.

What are some basic principles about understanding child development?

• The early years of a child are important because this is the time when the brain matures rapidly, creating the foundation for learning and thinking.
• The early years is when a child develops a sense of being an individual, separate from their parents, and they develop the ability to think, feel, trust, and relate to others.
• Young children learn by example and the adults in their lives are the most influential teachers.
• Young children that have their basic needs met are more likely to develop resilience.

What are the basic needs of young children?

• Develop a strong warm emotional relationship with the primary caregivers.
• Feel safe, loved, and secure - physically and emotionally.
• Develop a sense of trust, believing that their physical needs will be satisfied with consistent and loving care.
• Receive positive attention from adults through play and everyday activities that build mutual respect and a sense of being connected with them.
• Have family members display, by example, how to constructively solve problems, deal with disagreements, and handle anger and stress.
• Develop the confidence to deal with things that happen to them by learning to solve simple problems.
• Learn to appreciate similarities and differences among people.
• Be protected from exposure to violence. Young children are deeply affected by the violence they see in real life and on television.