Why Understand Child Development?
From birth through adolescence, children grow and change in a variety of ways. This process, known as child development, is shaped by both biology and the environment. For educators, parents, and anyone who works with children, understanding how this process unfolds is crucial.
What are Child Development Theories?
Developmental theories are frameworks that attempt to explain how children grow and change throughout childhood. These theories provide a lens through which we can understand human growth and learning.
A Look at Major Theories
This article will delve into several important theories, including psychosexual, psychosocial, behavioral, cognitive, attachment, social learning, and sociocultural theories. We’ll explore the key ideas of each of these development theorists and how they contribute to our understanding of children.
How Child Development Theories Evolved
Early theories often ignored childhood development altogether, viewing children as simply smaller versions of adults. It wasn’t until the 20th century that dedicated theories began to emerge, focusing both on abnormal behavior and typical development in children.