The early development of an infant follows a sequence. The child needs to master one particular skill before moving on to another one. However, each kid develops at his or her own pace. At times, the child may take long to acquire a skill or may skip to a different stage. The developmental milestones assist in observing the child to identify any issues that may arise and formulate early interventions. The early remedies come in the form of specialized services, engaging the kid in play activities, socializing, and parental engagement. This essay takes a critical look at the biological and environmental factors that may affect the development of an infant.
Biological forces entail the natural and non-social elements that influence a child’s maturation and development. The factors include environmental and natural contributions such as water, viruses, food, and carcinogens. For example, during the early stages of child development, the infant has certain nutritional requirements for adequate body and brain function. The kids should thus be provided with the proper diet during their early years. Similarly, there are internal biological forces that can interrupt or inhibit growth such as cancerous cells or the exposure to an illness (Shaffer & Kipp, 2013).
The environmental factors also play a critical role in dictating the development of a child. The forces can affect the development and acquisition of motor skills as well as social progress. For instance, if the environment that the kid lives limits parent interactions due to several aspects, the child may grow up without knowing the essence of parental care and love. The opportunities for infant development should be available in the surrounding to facilitate efficient play and socialization (Shaffer & Kipp, 2013). The environmental forces can also influence biological factors in case the surrounding is not suitable for child development. For instance, a cold or dirty area may make the infant sick. The comprehension of the probable factors that may improve or inhibit the growth of a kid is important in creating the appropriate conditions for child development.
Reference
Shaffer, D. R., & Kipp, K. (2013). Developmental psychology: Childhood and adolescence. Cengage Learning.
