Child development is a field of study to understand the processes that govern the appearance and growth of children’s biological structures, psychological traits, behavior, understanding and ways of adapting to the demands of life.
According to Rathus (2014), there are several
reasons for researchers to study child development. For example, to understand human nature
(e.g. whether children are aggressive or loving, conscious or self-aware), to understand the
causes of adult behavior (e.g. what are the origins of empathy in adults, antisocial
behavior, special talents in writing, music, athletics and math?), to understand the causes,
preventions and treatment of developmental problems (e.g. fetal alcohol syndrome, Down
syndrome, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivitiy, dyslexia), to optimize development
conditions (e.g. what type of foods provide best nutrition for strong and healthy
development of children, how the parent-infant interaction affect types of attachment, what
are the effects of day-care programs on parent-child attachment and on children’s social and
intellectual development)
Growth of the body and the development of motor skills. This includes activities like crawling, walking.
Development of the brain and thinking skills. It includes learning to solve problems, understand concepts and imagination.
Focuses on understanding and managing emotions, developing self-awareness, and building self-esteem.
Monitoring and supporting child development is crucial because the early years lay the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health. By understanding how children grow and change, parents can provide the necessary support and intervention when needed, particularly in areas like language acquisition, emotional regulation, and social interaction.
Track your child’s growth and learn what to expect at every stage.
Dive deep into topics like ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral challenges.
Find actionable advice and tools to support your child’s development.
Navigating mental health concerns can be challenging, but finding the right professional shouldn’t be. Our Directory of Mental Health Services in Malaysia connects you with trusted experts in developmental pediatrics and child and adolescent psychiatry.
Explore detailed listings of doctors, hospitals, and contact information to get the support your child needs. Whether you're seeking advice, a diagnosis, or specialized care, this resource is here to guide you in the right direction.