OBSERVING EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT


Emotional Development is the ability to:

  1. express feelings
  2. control emotions
  3. form relationships and develop feelings towards other people
  4. develop a self image and identity
  5. become an independent person.

J K L Children express their feelings in different ways.
Happiness Fear Sadness Eye Contact - shy or unhappy children are reluctant to make eye contact.
Contentment Shock Loss Facial Expressions - smiling indicates pleasure, scowling shows anger or upset, wide eyes show interest.
Affection Guilt Grief Body Posture - confidence shows in an upright tall posture, unhappy children curl up and have hunched shoulders.
Friendship Jealousy Depair Movement - happy children are lively, sad or frightened children move hesitantly, excited children bounce with enthusiasm, sick children rest quietly.
Trust Anger Pain Tone of voice - crying, whimpering, wailing, shouting, screaming, whispering.
Patience Defiance Confusion Touch - fearful shy children cling to known adults for comfort.
Confidence Tantrums Shyness Changes in behaviour - withdrawing to quietly alone or angry outbursts of temper. A sick child may regress.
Pride Frustration Pity Language - knowing the name of a strong feeling allows the child to be in control and less frightened.
Calm Disgust Surprise Stories - help children understand their feelings.
Enthusiasm Excitement Concern Play - active physical play, pummelling dough, painting, music and drums and imaginative roleplay help children express their feelings.

Children need a caring consistent environment where each child feels secure and valued. A positive self image is promoted as adults celebrate achievements, talents and the individual qualities of the children. Early relationships between a baby and their primary carers create a foundation for future emotional health as the child learns to trust and grows in confidence as an independent person.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
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INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
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EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
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LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
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CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOUR
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BABY DEVELOPMENT
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DEVELOPMENT INTRODUCTION
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