Emotional development represents a realm of child development. It is a gradual process where children observe, understand, and experience emotions in order to develop relationships with others. Emotional development also extends to building their self-confidence as well as learning to control their emotions. It helps children engage in different activities, for example, if a child fears participating in a competition, he or she may need the help of friends or family to overcome that fear.

Physical development is another domain of a child’s development. Consistent relationships between parents and children can help a child’s physical and emotional development.

Importance of positive emotional development

Positive emotional development is essential for a child’s growth. It influences a child’s self-esteem, interactions, empathy, and their ability to form meaningful bonds with others. In the early stages of development, parents and the family have a huge influence on a child. Love, nurture, caregiving, and relationships are all a part of it. Depending on their age, a child must be engaged in quality interaction daily.

Importance of physical development

Parents play the most significant role in a child’s physical development. A parent’s relationship with their children provides a sense of trust and a safer environment to learn and grasp new things. Fussy eaters need more attention when it comes to ensuring they eat a healthy diet. Ensure your child gets sufficient sleep and isn’t indulging in excess screentime. Teach them to participate in physical activities from childhood itself.

Tips to inculcate emotional development

Strong emotional development controls social, emotional, and academic success. Young kids who develop early relationships with parents, family, caregivers, and teachers have a better attention span and get along with others. They have the confidence to explore and learn from the people around them. As your child’s first role model, you can send a positive message to them. Follow these tips.

• Be loving and caring to them.
• Help your child learn responses, like ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ calmly.
• Stay calm and collected.
• Talk to the toddler.
• Reward and praise your child for encouragement. Make your child learn to greet others warmly.
• Teach your child the virtues of sharing and caring.
• Help your child in developing trust.
• Ensure your child lives in a positive environment.
• Engage your child in different activities.
• Pay attention to what your child is saying.
• Do not scold them. Correct them whenever they are wrong.
• Help your child manage emotions consistently.
• Be patient with your children.

Tips to promote physical development

Ensure your child has a good amount of physical activity daily.

• Make sure your child gets enough playtime, exercise, and other physical activities.
• To encourage more physical activity, play with your child, especially outdoor games. Take them to the park. Go jogging with your children. Teach them the importance of exercise by example.
• Go hiking and on other adventurous trips.
• Make sure your child doesn’t get excess screentime. It will limit their physical activity and make them lethargic.
• Ensure your child gets adequate sleep in order to keep them active for the next day.
• Encourage your children to participate in sports.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in the above Blog are the independent views of the blogger / author based on his/her experience on child growth and development. It is not intended to represent Abbott’s viewpoint on the matter or to promote Abbott’s products. Nothing in this content should be construed as Abbott giving medical advice or making a recommendation, endorsement of any kind, nor does it seek to replace medical opinion or independent professional/ clinical judgement.