Nurturing Environment

Nurturing Environment

College of New Rochelle

Introduction to Psychology

April 2008

Abstract

In this research paper, I will discuss the information that I gathered about Nurturing Environments in child development. In addition, I will also explore four theorists, which are Erickson, Kohlberg, Piaget and Branfenbrenner. In addition, I will talk about what is a nurturing environment and why this a big part in child development, parents play a huge part in their children’s development.

Background

Theoretically, early childhood corresponds roughly to Piagetian Preoperational stage of cognitive development and to the Ericksonian stage of “autonomy versus shame and doubt”, “initiative versus guilt,” and the beginning of the “industry versus inferiority” stage of psychosocial development.

According to Pieagetian Preoperational stage, use the knowledge they gain from their senses during Sensor motor stage to start thinking more abstractly and symbolically about things that they are not immediately experiencing. Abstract and symbolic thinking facilitates language development and make-believe play. Example: children in Preoperational stage can understand that a picture of a skinny red fruit represents an apple, even though a real apple is not in front of them. However, the preoperational child's abstract thinking skills are not yet fully developed so they sometimes rely on concrete evidence, such as how things appear to learn.

Erickson believes toddlers in the autonomy versus shame and doubts stage (ages 1 to 3 years), either develops the confidence to try new things or become unsure of their ability and withdraws from initiating new activities. Engagement in or withdrawal from new activities depends on the type of support and nurturing the child received from caregivers. During the initiative versus guilt stages ages 3 to 6 years, young children either develop a healthy sense of eagerness to tackle new task, age 6 to 11 years children either develop confidence in their ability to perform at school or with peers. Stated in Child Development and Parenting Journal 8.

The 2 to 7 year old range is when Bronfenbrenner’s ideas about ecological system theory also become important. His theory is important because it talks about personality traits interact with environment. Example: an easygoing child may be treated more positively by a caregiver than a child that is difficult to soothe.

Creating Nurturing Space in Early Childhood by Angela Oswalt, MSW, Natalie Staats-Reiss, PhD and Mark Dombeck, PhD stated that creating nurturing spaces is not just about clearing out some room in the basement for a playroom. “Space” in this sense includes not only the physical area and objects for playing and learning, but also passes the time attitude and energy necessary for creating nurturing child parent interactions.

In the Introduction to Psychology Gate Ways to Mind and Behavior states that nurturing opportunities are concentrated during play times, but are not limited to them. Nurturing opportunities may present themselves at many different places and times stated nurturing spaces are enhanced when books, toys, musical instruments, and other educational objects that will help encourage creativity as well as physical and mental growth are added.

Parents can also alternate between teaching children how to conform to the rules of particular games and following along with children’s own play rules and ideas. This allows children to be “in charge “from time to time it can foster their sense of independence and self-esteem, and is a fun role reversal from their usual experience.

Many educators have realized the need to create nurturing and stress-free environment for children and for adults. Early childcare and nurture have a decisive long lasting impact on the way people develop their ability to learn and their capacity to regulate their own problems.

Findings

What is a Nurturing environment? A nurturing environment for children is one that nurtures. As stated in Perry, B.D., Pollard, R., Blakely, T., Baker, W. and Vigilante, D. (1995) Childhood Trauma, the Neurobiology of Adaptation and “Use Dependent” Development of the Brain: How State Becomes Traits. Infants Mental Journal (16)

According to Intro to Psych, there is no one single way to nurture a child. Children learn best in the context of an important relationship. One of the most important factors influencing healthy brain development is the key adults in the environments. Stated in the Infant Mental Health Journals (20)

The complex relationship between genes, environmental influence and individual temperament identified in the research on the brain is different with every individual. All children develop in relation to their family’s child-rearing practices, culture, class, gender, birth order and their individual temperament.

Example: A nurturing, stress-free environment would be sensitive to individual differences at eating and resting time, arrival and departure times. Next will be cultural inclusive curriculums including books, songs, equipment and access to a first language where necessary. In addition, it provides experiences that are inclusive of differing abilities and celebrate diversity of all kinds.

Nurturing Trust

Children learn best in the context of important relationships. One of the most important factors influencing healthy brain development is the relationship with key adults in the environment (Shore, 1997). A strong and secure attachment to a nurturing adult is seen to have a proactive function against adverse effects of stress and trauma in later life. Perry et. Al. (1995) suggests that a sustained stress, trauma, or emotional neglect early in life can affect brain functions such as empathy, the ability to regulate emotions, and attachment. When a young child sits on your lap for a story, the nerves in her brain begin to “fire”, forging pathways and making connections to areas of brain associated with language, thinking, emotions and feelings of self-worth and trust.