During my undergraduate studies, I decided to major in education. One of my favorite experiences besides the children that I interacted with during my field placements were the child psychology and child development courses.
Even though I loved children, the love went far deeper than that; it took an understanding about how to interact with these children. When I took child psychology and child development, I learned about the changes and stages that children went through from conception to adulthood. I also learned how important it is that the children need to be surrounded with positivity in order for them to love themselves and to be the best that they can be as they grow. However, this is not always the case for most children.
I feel that being a parent is the greatest gift and at times it is taken far too lightly by society and it isn't always the parents' fault. I remember that when I was in high school, we had a project where we pretended to be parents, but what they failed to teach us was about child development. It takes a lot of patience and understanding to care for a child and to be positive parents especially if the child's parents were abused or neglected during their childhood and never received help.
In my opinion, child development and psychology need to be introduced to children during junior high with their parents' support, so that the children can become better parents to their children, know what being a parent is all about and what their child (ren) will experience as they grow; This should continue in high school and college too. I am happy that these courses were offered to me during my undergraduate studies to help me to understand my son's development and to be more patient too. In addition, it can also help parents to choose if they should take on this responsibility later than sooner.
Maybe this is your first time being a mom and you are interested in your child's development. Speak to your child's pediatrician and feel free to speak with me; I will provide you with some helpful information. And remember, to enjoy every precious moment on this wonderful journey!
