Chapter Notes: Module 4
PSYC 200 Chapter Notes
Chapter 3: Infancy and Toddlerhood (pages 93-103)
The psychosocial aspect of each level of development we will study in this course is often a favorite dimension for students to explore (compared to physical and cognitive development). This chapter highlights some important concepts that are powerfully influential in the life and future of a child.
On page 93 the chapter provides important information about temperament. I really believe every person should understand these important understandings. Children are born with their natural style of interacting with or reacting to people, places, and things—their temperament. The book briefly discusses Chess and Thomas’ three types of temperament: easy, difficult and slow-to-warm-up. You may see yourself in one of those categories. One of the reasons I think this is such a significant topic is because sometimes children are labeled “bad or lazy or shy”—when they are just expressing their natural temperament. It is good to be aware of your child’s temperament, because you will interact with them accordingly and perhaps in different ways. Note the discussion of “goodness of fit”. Sometimes fireworks ignite when the parent’s temperament and the child’s temperament don’t naturally mesh well. Or perhaps the differences are so pronounced that the parent doesn’t easily understand the child and their temperament. I encourage you to think seriously and study further about this meaningful and powerful notion of temperament!
Adding a bit to the points about emotion (beginning on page 95), I would note that there are several ways to approach an understanding of emotions. Sometimes, we divide emotions up into two main categories: primary emotions (such as surprise, joy, anger, sadness, fear) and self-conscious emotions (such as embarrassment, jealousy, empathy, etc.—these require higher cognitive skills). As a practical point, you are probably aware that emotions can “cloak” each other. For example, we may feel fear, but we express anger. When a car almost pushes you off the road, we may express anger, but initially, we experienced fear. Or when a teenager comes in three hours past their curfew, the parents or caregivers may express anger, but they likely first felt fear, concern, and then relief. How nice it would be if all the emotions could be expressed, rather than just the anger!
A few comments about three common types of baby cries: basic, anger and pain. New parents, in time, can decode their baby’s cry. They know if the baby is communicating one (or more) of several messages, such as: “I’m hungry. I need to burp. I need my diaper changed. It’s time for a nap. Where is everyone? Who turned up the heat? I want to be held. What did you feed me? I’d really like to suck on something. I just want to fuss for awhile.” My counsel for parents relative to crying babies is simply to take care of yourselves. Take a break and let someone else take a turn. Recognize your limits when you’re getting too frustrated or agitated. Remember that it’s temporary. Know when to call the doctor. He or she can tell the difference between normal tears and something more serious. There’s a lot we don’t know about babies with colic—except that they cry a lot for awhile. There is good and practical information available on soothing a baby with colic and taking care of yourself as well.
The discussion of smiling and fears in babies is very interesting. The notion of social referencing is also an intriguing behavior. (It helps explain why we go overboard with our facial expressions, voice tone, etc., when we’re feeding babies food we think they may not like. We hope they’ll take their cues from us and see how delicious beets, spinach and liver really are!) One research study that the book doesn’t mention, discovered that although fathers often provide less basic care to the child than the mother, they play more. In general, infants look to fathers for fun and mothers for comfort. Fathers’ play tends to be more noisy, boisterous, physical and active. (Not surprisingly, young infants laugh more and cry more when playing with Daddy.) Ideally, mothers and fathers each bring a balance of comfort and play to the child.
The material on the development of sense of self (one aspect of personality development), especially the growing sense of independence, often leads to a discussion of the “terrible twos.” Here are a few suggestions to consider in dealing with a young child who can seem quite negative and defiant to authority: be flexible (flexible parents tend to have the least resistant children); offer a choice when you can (even a limited one, so the child feels some measure of control); if you must interrupt a child’s activity, give them warning; suggest, don’t always command; use “time outs” to end conflicts; remind the child gently but firmly of your expectations; and keep the atmosphere of the home as positive as possible.
Be sure to read through the material on attachment. We are continuing to see connections in later life with levels of attachment in early life.
I think it is also a relevant and important topic to note key transition issues in becoming a parent. Here are five of the key concerns that are often noted that parents encounter in the transition from partners to parents: 1. Division of labor in housework and childcare 2. Money worries 3. Relationship difficulties 4. Career and work issues 5. Social activities.
Here are a few suggestions for a healthy transition to parenthood: Give yourselves regular “couple check-ups”; make time to talk to each other; don’t ignore your sexual relationship and times of intimacy; line up support from others you trust who can help out with the baby; and find the balance between being a couple and being parents.
This is so important! You were partners before you were parents. Most marriages are not wrecked by a sudden blowout, but by a slow leak! So pay attention to each other and the quality of your couple relationship.
One additional topic: Day care centers or other settings require a parent’s diligent research and ongoing attention to the care their child is receiving when they are apart. When considering day care centers or someone else’s home, ask about such things as: the child to staff ratio; policies that are in place; how they care for sick children; staff training; building and playground safety, etc. Most of all, stay involved, aware, and listen to your child.