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Anxiety and the Stages of Childhood Development

It sometimes seems that the stages of childhood development have been given almost as many 'labels' over the centuries, as there have been prominent psychologists!

Psychologists such as Freud, and Jung had their own theories, and gave the various stages their own labels.

While each theory, and set of labels can seem to have their individual merits, the over-riding concern for anyone interested in the stages of childhood development, are those factors which the presence (or absence) of, make a significant difference in the mental wellbeing and growth of that child.

It can be accepted, that for a child to grow up as a 'stable' individual (given that there are no serious psychological development issues to begin with), there needs to be certain factors present:

Unconditional Love / Stability of Love

The child needs to know that they have at least one person in their life who will show them love and support unconditionally; who will love them no-matter what. A child that has the knowledge that they have someone in their life with whom they can share their worries and concerns, with be far more likely to be able to overcome stresses, worries, anxieties and traumas during their childhood. This child is also more likely to be a 'stable' adult, able to handle life's ups-and-downs.

Stability of Nourishment

The child also needs to feel secure in the fact that their food supply is not dependent in any way on their behaviour or environmental circumstances. For example, a child who grows up in a home where they regularly (and often unpredictably) go hungry, will not be secure about their physical wellbeing.

Security

The child needs to feel that they are safe. The impact that fighting within a household can have on a child for example, shouldn't be under-estimated.

Childhood Development Articles

Helping Young Trauma Survivors - National Institute of Mental Health Article (extract)

How Children React to Trauma - National Institute of Mental Health Article (extract)

ADHD in Pre-School Children - National Institute of Mental Health Article (extract)

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