Child Development
Unless otherwise stated, answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English spelling and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be four (4) pages in length; refer to the "Assignment Format" page for specific format requirements.
This assignment is comprised of two different parts that will show your learning of various course objectives from lessons 1, 2, 3, and 4.
Part 1 Describe the changes in family dynamics at the birth of a child as they affect each of the following: newborn, mother, father, siblings, and extended family of the new parents. Focus on the experiences that each may have or feel and the changes with which they may deal. You will want to refer back to Lesson 2.
Part 2 Describe at least three (3) details of each of the areas of development – perceptual, motor, and physical development – in infants and in children ages one through three. You will want to refer back to Lesson 3 and Lesson 4.
The Textbook is Child Development - The Young Child - Development from Pre-birth through age 8 by D. Wittmer, S. Peterson, M.Puckett 7th Ed.
EO2 Child Development
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There are a lot of changes in personal and family dynamics during the preparation and after the birth of a new family member and general society. These changes comprise shifts in personal relationships, emotional relationships, and general behavior of the parents, the baby, and the surrounding family members (Crosnoe, 2014). The mother is the most likely person to go through the most changes in the delicate prenatal period, and this phase is critical not only to her but also to the newborn. The changes that the mother experiences are both physical and emotional. In terms of the former, she experiences many hormonal changes that come with the pregnancy journey and others when the baby is born. These hormones are meant to help her adapt to the demanding physicality of pregnancy and other drastic demands of carrying pregnancy and childbirth (Babetin, 2020). Emotionally, the mother will probably feel happy, excited, and deeply in love with her baby. However, as she gets used to being a mother and understands how to take care of her demanding child, she could also feel stressed and anxious. As she strives to maintain a healthy balance between her obligations as a mom and other duties, she could also experience emotions of guilt, despair, and tiredness.
The newborn baby is the focus of attention and is always the primary catalyst for significant changes in the family after birth. The infant also goes through numerous physical and emotional changes and experiences. Three significant bodily changes entail moving from being within the uterus to the external environment, adjusting sleeping patterns, and acclimating to a new environment. On a physical level, the baby will experience the process of learning how to move and speak. They will also emotionally grow to feel attached to their primary and immediate caregivers, who are typically the mother and father. The newborn will start to gradually form bonds and relationships with other present family members.
The father is likely to go through emotional and physical changes. He may notice a transformation in his relationship with the spouse because the two become acquainted with their new parenting responsibilities. Emotionally, he may experience feelings of happiness, excitement, and pride that come with being a father. However, as he attempts to manage his duties as a parent with other commitments, such as his job and relationships with other family members, he could also encounter stress, tension, and anxiety. In addition, the father could feel pressure to support and provide for the new mother and the newborn baby.
During the prenatal period, the new baby's siblings are also impacted and are likely to feel a diverse range of emotions, from joy and delight to jealousy, frustration, and anger. The birth of a new child can alter the dynamics of the family and occasionally cause feelings of abandonment or insecurity, especially with the shift in focus of the parents. This explains why siblings may also go through relational adjustments with their parents as they get used to sharing their parents' attention and affection with the newborn (Volling, 2012). In some situations, the siblings may assist with the care of the child. This can be a good experience as it can strengthen their bonds, but it can also cause frustration because they adapt to the new norm.
The addition of a new baby into a family alters the dynamics of the broader family's relationships. Everybody feels responsible for assisting, raising, and supporting the infant and the parents. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and other young family members are likely to assist in the child's upbringing. As they adjust to their new duties as relatives of a growing family, the extended family's relationships with one another may also shift. In some circumstances, members may experience jealousy or competition as they strive to form bonds with the new infant.