Emotion is an integral part of the psychological formation. It determines growth and development in any child that reinforce the overall progress and character formation of the child. Development of emotion constitutes the experiences of the child that transform the understanding from the nascent stage to adolescent. It also comprises of the child’s understanding and development of aspects such as imagination and expressions. The changes in behavior and the approaches to life and learning are also factors related to the emotional development of children. Interaction plays a major role in emotional development of a child.
The progress and change in behavior are only possible when the child interacts with the surroundings and society. The close circle of a child comprising of parents, family members, friends, and even teachers are important factors that reinforce emotional development. Isolation of a child hampers this growth and hence a child should be exposed to others in the society as far as possible. Cognitive and neural development of the child is linked to cultural and social influences. Emotional development and social development occur side by side. These two facets are interlinked and interdependent on each other. Social development can be ensured through increased interaction of a child with caregivers, parents and other people in their circle. The circle, one the other hand, should grow with the growth of the child and hence increasing interaction and communication with the society.
The inception of emotion in a child has been a subject of long discussion and speculation. A number of reflexive behaviors such as crying and smiling occur at a much early age. Among these, crying can be considered as a strong emotional response of a child. Pleasure, fear, anger, and interest are some early emotional traits in children that initiates within six months of their birth. It is observed that most of the times negative emotions follow the development of positive emotions. The emotions such as pride and recognition develop at the later stages of the child’s growth. The school and other social organizations play a crucial role in these. Children at any residential school are more exposed to social life that supports faster emotional development and hence maturity.
At the early schools, age children develop a strong sense of independence. Another characteristic is the growth of defiance. The physical development of a child such as the capability to run and climb supports the emotional development at this age. They develop social skills to interact and the skill to understand others at school and other collective environments. Schools play a vital role in the emotional development of a child; hence, they are responsible to offer the environment that supports growth positively.
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