Admittedly, children go through several developmental stages, and at every stage they obtain new skills. There are several theories concerning the development of children. Theorists and researchers identify stages which can slightly differ. Though, it is necessary to note that all of these theories provide a quite similar evaluation of behavioral development of children at different stages of life. It is also acknowledged that children need specific support of their close ones and they expect a parent (or any of their relatives) to devote him/herself to their needs (McDevitt & Ormrod, 2013). It is possible to consider the behavior of the four children to define major peculiarities of behavioral development at different stages.
In early childhood, children only start learning about the world and acquiring the necessary skills to live in society. At this stage, children are very attached to their families and spend a lot of time together, engaging themselves in a variety of activities (Families – early childhood, 2014). The boy, as well as his relatives, do not think much a lot about his future, but they help the child with his school tasks. Notably, the child does not think about the way he fits into society, and his close ones do not teach him what it is like to be a good person. At this stage, the child and his relatives are more concerned with development more specific skills (reading, doing sums, doing sports and so on).
In middle childhood, children are more integrated into society, though they are still attached to their close ones. They spend quite a lot of time with their family. However, relatives tend to invest less time as their older siblings often take up this role. Notably, this is the period when children are taught “good things” and the ways to behave in society (Families – middle childhood, 2014). Parents tend to help the child with studies, but they focus on teaching strategies rather than simply doing tasks. The child learns how to be more independent.
In early adolescence, parents invest the same time. For instance, they help their adolescents to study. However, at this stage, parents do not simply help to study but also teach adolescents to be more responsible (Families – early adolescence, 2014). Adolescents understand the role of their parents and teachers. They see that adults help them develop. At this stage, adolescents start thinking about their future, and even though they may not have precise plans, they may understand that they need to study to be able to make that plan. Clearly, at this stage, parents often tell them about being a good person, and adolescents try to fit into society and become good people.
In late adolescence, adolescents become integrated into the society (school, extracurricular activities, friends, and so on), but they still need care, support, and protection of their close ones. For instance, the girl, whose father does not live with them, has an elder brother who fulfills the role of the father in the family (Families – late adolescence, 2014). At this stage, adolescents understand who they are, and they already have a certain plan concerning their future. They know what is good and what is wrong, though their parents keep talking with them about this matter.
In conclusion, it is possible to note that children go through several stages of development, and they obtain new skills and knowledge. Their parents and close ones help them to fit into society and find their place in the world.
Reference List
Families – early adolescence. (2014). Web.
Families – early childhood. (2014). Web.
Families – late adolescence. (2014). Web.
Families – middle childhood. (2014). Web.
McDevitt, T.M., & Ormrod, J.E. (2013). Child development and education. Boston, MA: Pearson.