Self-Understanding and Developmental Stages

NB: We do not resell your papers. Upon ordering, we do an original paper exclusively for you.

NB: All your data is kept safe from the public.

In order to perform particular tasks, including waiting in line, being motionless, and taking turns, humans need a variety of skills, some of which include self-awareness and self-control. Self-control, however, is a sophisticated ability that matures with time. Self-control is a talent that children learn early on, and it keeps getting better as they get older. As kids age, they learn to manage their impulses, movements, and emotions (Berk, 2020). Self-understanding develops as an individual undergoes the phases of infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence.

Self-awareness starts at the infancy stage and is aided by babies’ ability to perceive in several modes. Infants use their physical movements to communicate and express themselves. They also use their body to encircle their parents and other primary care. They start to form a concept of themselves as their recollections of their experiences continue to expand. For instance, a youngster feels safe and at ease near their caregiver. Parents may help their children gain self at this stage by spending time with them and promoting their interests (Blair et al., 2019). One strategy is to ensure the youngster during infancy is always close and by giving them bright and entertaining toys.

According to kids’ reactions to their images in mirrors and photos and their use of personal pronouns during early childhood, they become aware of the physical characteristics of the self. Developing self-awareness paves the way for cooperation, perspective-taking, empathy, persistent mimicry play, peer rivalry for objects, and social referencing. Self-concept and social-emotional growth frequently go hand in hand (Sando, 2019). A child will begin to feel more comfortable in other areas of his life, including playing with others and assisting with age-appropriate chores, as they discover more about themselves and develop a feeling of self-worth. However, the child may still struggle to perform certain activities, such as attempting to feed themselves, or may have anxiety in a playgroup. By being particular in their compliments and demonstrating interest in what the infant is concerned about, parents can encourage self-understanding in children during early childhood.

Middle-aged children possess a more authentic sense of who they are than young children. They become less egocentric, which improves their capacity for empathy and perspective-taking. Children of this age, for instance, perform housework, complete their assignments, and abide by several social, educational, and recreational regulations. Through kind and considerate interactions, parents and other adults foster a solid emotional bond with children during the middle childhood stage (Sword, 2021). Children’s interactions with their peers, parents and other domestic caregivers help them develop their social and emotional abilities and awareness of the world.

Teenagers continue to work on their self-concept during adolescence. The increased divergence of the self in adolescence may be explained by their capacity for possibility thinking and more abstract reasoning. Teens’ perceptions of themselves, however, are frequently contradictory and their self-esteem differs depending on their self-concept (Lally & Valentine-French, 2019). Most teenagers see an increase in self-esteem during mid to late adolescence, specifically if they feel assured in their peer influences, appearances, and physical talents. By impacting the child’s fundamental beliefs, such as their religious beliefs, and future-related decisions, such as their educational choices, parents can improve their child’s self-awareness at this point. By telling stories about their youth, parents can help children in the adolescence stage feel more connected to them and better understand themselves.

Self-understanding develops as an individual undergoes the phases of infancy, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Parents have a crucial role in promoting the development of self-awareness throughout the four stages. With the parents’ help, children learn that they have a degree of influence over their self-esteem and awareness as they traverse these stages. Individuals can make better judgments, fortify connections, and converse more effectively when they are better aware of themselves.