Developmental Psychology

Introduction to Child Development

• Overview of the importance of nurturing in early childhood.

  • Children are dependent on caregivers especially in the infancy stage.

Early Childhood (3 to 6 years) Language and Structure

• Language Development

  • Children typically start learning language at around 2.5 to 3 years.

  • Language development coincides with learning social structures and rules.

• Teaching Structure and Rules

  • Caregivers teach children what is appropriate behavior (e.g., saying please, thank you).

  • Examples of rules include: "No running in the house" and "No yelling in the house."

  • This teaches children what is considered acceptable behavior in the family context.

Development of Conscience

• Introduction of Conscience

  • Distinguish between conscience, conscious, and unconscious states.

  • Conscious refers to being awake, whereas unconscious indicates sleep.

• Freud's Theory: Id, Ego, and Superego Conflict

  • The Id:

  • Represents primal desires; operates on the pleasure principle (immediate gratification).

  • Example: A hungry child desires a cookie immediately.

  • The Superego:

  • Represents moral standards; operates on the morality principle (conscience).

  • Example: Urges the child to follow the rules set by caregivers.

  • Conflict Examples:

  • A child feels hungry (Id) but hears the superego say not to take cookies meant for mom's friends (Superego).

• The Ego Development

  • Develops around the same time as the Id and Superego; operates on the reality principle.

  • Acts as a referee between the Id's immediate desires and the Superego's moral constraints.

  • Example: Ego may suggest asking mom for permission instead of stealing a cookie.