Difficulties In Child Development Essay

A child develops quickly especially when they are in their early years. It is important for adults to recognise the rapid pace of growth and maturation that is taking place. Preschool behavioural problems are somewhat common in children, but this can also be prevented if teachers educate children on how they can regulate their reactions and feelings. A child’s ‘behaviour is affected by temperament, which is made up of an individual’s innate and unique expectations, emotions, and beliefs’ (Centre for Community Child Health, 2006). When a child feels frustrated, disappointed and angry, he may vent his by hitting his friends, or throwing tantrums. It is normal for children to try out different emotions and ways of reacting as they go through different

Moreover, preschool children are still at the pre-operational stage, and are often egocentric whereby they may have superficial awareness of their friend as a person. Besides, children at this stage may not be willing to share their toys/items with their friends, thus, resulting in negative peer relationships with one another. Peer relationships are relations between people that are potential equals in terms of their cognitive, social and emotional development. It is important for children to establish positive relationships with their peers, as it has a positive correlation to their holistic development. Children often observe and establish social-information that enables them to function in a socially competent manner with their peers (Guralnick, 2005). Additionally, having a positive peer relation with their peers especially in their early years has an impact on their psychosocial adjustments in the future as well (Boivin, 2014). According to a research conducted, it stated that ‘3 – 4 years old children are already having trouble being accepted by their peers’ (Hay, 2005). Teachers can encourage children to make friends with one another as this fosters positive peer relationships. Sullivan’s (1953) theory stated that children learn to sympathise and empathise with others through friendships, as it shapes a child’s personality (Wagner, n.d.). Therefore, a child learns appropriate behaviour