Purposeful Parenting LLC
PARENTING INFANTS AND TODDLERS FACT SHEET
Birth- 2 Years.
In early childhood, children are growing stronger day by day. Muscle developments is noted as they begin to hold their heads up on their own, roll over, pull themselves up, grab a finger, and eventually sit, stand, and walk.
Infants develop seven basic emotions in the first six months: Joy, Interest, Fear, Disgust, Anger, Sadness, and Surprise. By 18 months, they incorporate embarrassment, envy, and empathy.
Two critical issues during this period are attachment and the development of hope.
The process of bonding and attachment to the primary caregivers begins at birth. This is the beginning of the parent-child attachment process and determines how children will relate to others later in life.
If the initial bonding is delayed, or the primary attachment occurs after six months, there is evidence that children have more problems forming healthy attachments.
At six-eight months, a child develops the ability to remember people, and then subjects. The child will become easier to soothe because of their ability to recall their caregivers.
Children may also become afraid of strangers at this time, as they are unable to recognize new people. This stage is temporary.
Children must learn in the first two years of life that adults in their environment will consistently care for them, keep them safe and meet their basic needs.
Erik Erikson believed that infants learn to trust or mistrust people during this critical stage. This informs children's ability to connect and commit to others in future relationships.
If this stage is successfully navigated, the child becomes hopeful toward other people, thus forming the foundation for how we relate to others in future relationships.
By 18 months, children may have 5-20 words in their vocabulary. (Pierce, L (2013). How Your Child Develops. Theravive.)
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