How to Support the Emotional Development of a Child

As a child's body grows and develops, so does his ability to deal with emotional issues. Depending upon his support system and the methods he learns to use when dealing with emotionally charged events, either he will deal with stress successfully or he will suffer when turmoil arises.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start early to help your child develop a healthy emotional response system. Respond with encouragement to the small steps your child takes toward independence. If your infant tries to feed herself, instead of insisting that you do it, allow her to experiment with her food, even if she makes a mess. Before grabbing the shoelaces from your toddler, allow him to manipulate them, even if he is too young to successfully tie them.
2. Provide ample affection and a nurturing atmosphere. You can't spoil a baby by responding to her cries, but you can make her timid, frightened and distrusting if you don't. When a child under 2 years of age cries for your attention, especially at night, give it to her. While you may want her to be independent now, she needs to feel secure first. By responding to her, you teach her that she can depend upon you, and she will begin to develop independence sooner.
3. Limit outside relationships where parents constantly compare their child's accomplishments against those of your child. Children develop at their own rate, and many children sense a parent's anxiety when pressured to perform tasks before they are ready. Raising a child isn't a race; it's a series of steps and building blocks toward the development of a secure adult.
4. Demonstrate conflict resolution by setting a positive example. As your child grows, he will look to you as his source of inspiration. If you display courage in dealing with stress and you look for the positive aspect in every troubling situation, your child will also develop healthy emotional responses to turmoil and conflict.
5. Encourage your child to voice her ideas for solving stressful situations. Remember that a time will come when she will need to solve her own problems. Encourage her to come up with positive resolutions and examine them with her.
6. Teach your child to respect others and their differences. By exposing your child to other children with mental or physical handicaps early in life, you will help him develop a healthy and helpful attitude toward those who are different. In addition, encourage him to make friends from different cultures.