Child Development ‘Ukuaji Wa Mtoto’

Physical Development (‘Ukuaji wa Kimwili’) Definition:  The process by which children grow physically, and their increasing skill at performing a range of various motor tasks, using their muscles.  Physical development and psychological development are two different processes but they are always connected and influences each other.

Psychological Development (‘Ukuaji wa Maendeleo’)  Definition: The scientific study of the mental changes that occur in human beings over the course of their life.  Psychological development depends on 3 things: 1. The potential within the Genes 2. Developmental History 3. Present conditions The main thing is the combination between the inside and the outer world.

Nature versus Nurture (‘Asili Dhidi ya Mazingira’)  We are all born with a certain tendencies (‘Maelekeo’) which determines our temperament and behaviors. (Angry/relaxed babies)  Evolution (‘Mageuko’): Babies come to the world with an evolutionary heritage. (Reflex, similar stages of development)  Genes (‘Jeni’): every baby has different genes which influences his development. (Down syndrome)  Genes and the outer world: starts from pregnancy (A mother that uses drugs)  Nature VS. Nurture Nature VS. Nurture

Family / ‘Familia’ Our Family’s relationships has a very big influence on our development. The emotional character of those relationships can have long lasting influences on a child’s life.

Peers/ ‘Rika’ People who are equal in such aspects as age, education or social class, group, colleagues, etc. The peer group has a large influence on the child’s language, behavior and norms.

School/ ‘Shule’  Early childhood education can impact a child's academic success and reduce criminal behavior.  The goal of the education of children is not only to teach them intellectual knowledge but to also teach them virtues (‘Fadhila’) in the sense of honesty, courage, trust, etc.

Community/ ‘Jamii’ Communities help to create the environment that children need to thrive (‘Kustawi’) and succeed. children tend to do better in a strong, supportive communities. Community resources can offset the impact of poverty and other risk factors on early development.

The combination of all this factors together influences the child’s development and determine if the development will be normal or abnormal.

Developmental stages/ ‘Ukuaji Hatua’

Stage 1: Trust/ ‘Uaminifu’ (Infancy: Age 0-1) Important Event: Feeding/ ‘Kulisha’  In the first year of the baby’s life he is dependent completely on his parents, mostly on his mother.  In this stage the mother fulfills all the baby’s basic needs and in that way he learns that he can trust her. (example)

Stage 2: Autonomy/ ‘Uhuru’ (Toddler: age 1-3) Important Event: Toilet training  In this stage the baby becomes less dependent on his parents and more in control of his life.  The baby learns that he can do things on his own and demands to have autonomy.

Stage 3: Initiative (Preschooler: age 3-5) Important Event: Exploration  Children begin asserting control and power over the environment.  They show curiosity to they're surrounding in order to investigate and understand it.  In this period children have a desire to copy the adults around us and take initiative in creating play situations.

Stage 4: Competence/ ‘Uwezo’ (School age child: age 6-11) Important Event: School  Children cope with new social and academic demands that are excepted from them.  The child learns to follow the rules given from school and at home.  This is a very social stage of development that influences a lot on our competence and self esteem.  The most important relationships is in the school and with neighbors.

Stage 5: Identity/ ‘Utambulisho’ (adolescent: age 12-18) Important Event: Social relationships  Teens begin to develop a sense of self and personal identity. While struggling with social interactions and developing a sense of morality.  From this stage on, Development depends on what the person do.  Who am I?

Stage 6: Intimacy/ ‘Urafiki’ (young adult: age 19-40) Important Event: Relationships  Young adults form intimate, loving relationships with other people.  Success leads to strong relationships, while failure results in loneliness and isolation.

Stage 7: Generativity/ ‘Kuzalisha’ (Middle aged adult: age 40-65) Important Event: Work and parenthood  Adults create or nurture things that will outlast them, often by having children or creating a positive change that benefits other people.  Success leads to feelings of usefulness and accomplishment, while failure results in shallow involvement in the world.

Stage 8: Ego integrity/ ‘Binafsi Uadilifu’ (Late adult: age 65 onwards) Important Event: Reflection on Life  Older adults start looking back on life and feeling a sense of fulfillment.  Success at this stage leads to feelings of wisdom, while failure results in regret, bitterness, and despair.