Parenting is an exceptionally involving task as it is concerned with the shaping of the child and possibly defining his or her future life (Golombok, 2000). The behaviors of many people can be attributed to the style of parenting as well as the natural temperaments of the person. Psychologists have argued that parents are not only charged with the duty of seeing the child grow physically, but also such responsibilities as monitoring the mental development of the child, the social capacity of the child as well emotional development and stability. Fundamentally, physical growth is the increase of the child’s body mass. On the other hand, mental development is the increase in the thinking and judgmental capacity of the child. Social growth refers to the capacity of the child to interact with others freely and lastly, emotional development refers to the ability of the child to manage his or her feelings. This paper seeks to explain the most notable a parent should do to ensure that the child grows and develops well in all these areas.
For the physical development ang growth of the child, is a crucial thing a parent can offer is food that is recommended nutritional value. Such foods are meant to provide the body with the building blocks desired for growth, as well as development of body cells (Newman & Newman, 2009). The foods as well provide the young body with energy that is needed for metabolic processes that refine the food in the body. In addition to the food being nutritious, it should be a balanced diet. This is recommended by doctors, nutritionists and pediatric experts. Enough sleep is also recommended for children below the age of six. Sleep gives the body enough time to develop new cells and tissues. Additionally, sleep gives the brain the time to relax.
The second most vital item that a parent can give to the child to ensure he grows and develops mentally is moral support. Moral support is the power behind believing (Golombok, 2000). A child that is morally encouraged will be ready to work hard to achieve that which they wish to achieve. Moral support plus continuous guidance and counseling helps the child develop mentally. The administration of other supplements recommended by the doctors can also be encouraged if indeed those supplements are medically verified and prescribed by a professional doctor.
The third most noteworthy thing that a parent can provide his or her children with is a peaceful family environment. This will make them emotionally stable. Research has indicated that children from broken families are emotionally unstable. They tend to be depressed and stressed. They tend to be hysterical at times and may even go to an extent of becoming anti-social (Newman & Newman, 2009). This is because they usually feel rejected. The fourth most important thing that parents or guardians should provide for their children is social exposure. Exposing a child to other children through such institutions as schools and other religious structures makes them social beings. They learn to interact freely. Socializing is incredibly imperative to the children because they need friends around them.
Parents in general are lacking in various areas. Most notably, the factor of the quantity of instance they pay out with their children. Parents in the contemporary world where economies are becoming 24-hour systems, find no time with their children (Golombok, 2000). They leave the interests of the teenager in the hands of the day care attendants who could not make out the nutritional necessities of the young children. As such, the child grows without the guidance of a parent. In conclusion, the most striking feature of my reading this week, or rather what stood out is the role of the parents in the mental and emotional growth. It was full of insights and innovative ideas
References
Golombok, S. (2000). Parenting: What Really Counts? New York: Routledge
Newman, P & Newman, B. (2009). Development through Life: A Psychological Approach. Belmont: Wadsworth Cengage Learning
