Child Development Essay

Intro

The experiences a child has in their earliest years don’t just shape their childhood, but they lay the foundation for who they will become for the rest of their life. Taking the child development course has given me more insight into numerous factors that come with being a parent. To me, the most important things I learned this semester was the correct parenting style and how to prepare for the new arrival of a baby.

Body Paragraph 1

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned so far in this course is the importance of using the correct parenting style. The type of parent you are, whether it’s permissive, authoritarian, neglectful, or authoritative can greatly affect a child’s emotional and social development. The correct parenting style is authoritative because it balances structure with warmth and communication. Children raised with this style tend to feel supported while also learning responsibility and independence. This showed me that being a good parent is not about being overly lenient or strict, but about guiding children with patience and understanding. 

Body Paragraph 2

Another important topic I learned about was how to prepare for the arrival of a baby. This includes not only physical preparations, such as setting up a safe sleeping environment and having necessary supplies, but also emotional and mental readiness. Babies rely completely on their caregivers, which means parents must be ready to provide constant care, attention, and love. Learning about infant needs, routines, and development made me realize how important it is for parents to be educated and prepared before bringing a child into the world.

Conclusion

Overall, this semester helped me understand how deeply early experiences and parenting choices influence a child’s future. Learning about effective parenting styles and proper preparation for a baby has given me a better understanding of what it takes to raise a healthy and well-developed child. These lessons will not only be helpful in the future if I become a parent, but they have also changed the way I view child development and the responsibility that comes with it.