As a parent, it’s important to be aware of some of the key factors that will impact your child’s development. These variables could have huge ramifications for their future in the short and long term, according to the latest studies. Here are some examples of the variables that you should be considering when you are raising your child and that likely will have an impact.
Early Communication
First, you should consider whether or not you are communicating as much as you should be with your child in the early stages. Various studies reflect that early communication is key to successful child development. Indeed, some studies postulate that a lack of communication may lead to signs associated with the condition ASD. This is why it’s important to make sure that you are talking to your baby from an early age, even while they are still in the womb. While research is mixed about how early communication should start, the general consensus is that it will always provide significant benefits.
School Choice
You might also want to think about the choice of school for your child. It’s important to make sure that you provide them with a school environment where they are happy and comfortable. For instance, you may want to ensure that your child attends a private high school. Some evidence does support the notion that children are more likely to excel academically if they attend a private school. This will largely depend on how the school is managed. You might also want to consider other aspects such as bullying. Studies show that bullying can have a long term impact on a child that may even follow them into adult life.
Attachment Style
Attachment style may also have an impact on a child’s social development. There are various different forms of attachment including insecure and secure attachment. Attachment style reflects how we will form connections with people who we meet and engage with in life. It can impact everything from confidence to general levels of wellbeing. Your attachment style is determined both by your relationships with your parents in early life as well as your connections with partners later on as you mature. This is another reason why it’s important to make sure that you are providing your child with the right support.
ACE – Adverse Childhood Experiences
Various studies show that adverse childhood experiences can have a massive impact on a child’s development. Multiple ACEs will mean that children are more likely to experience issues later on in life as well. There are various childhood experiences that can have this type of impact. For instance, this could include bereavement or neglect. However, some studies suggest that moving home could also have a negative impact on a child. This is why you must consider whether your move is necessary and if you are completing the move at an age that will impact a child. Generally, younger children are more likely to bounce back from a change like this in their life.
Care Provided
You should also make sure that you are providing your child with the right level of care and support in different elements and aspects of their development. For instance, you should always enquire about their day and ensure that you are encouraging their interests or the things that they are passionate about. It’s important to make sure that your child does feel valued and accepted by you as a parent. Remember, good communication is key here. Your child must feel as though they can come to you with any issue impacting their life.
Role Models
Finally, it’s important to make sure that you are providing your child with the right role models when they are growing up. Strong role models will mean that your child does have everything that they need to see who they should become and what lessons they should follow. This essentially means that as a parent you must lead by example. You should also make sure that your child is surrounded by people who are good role models from an early age.
We hope this helps you understand some of the key elements that are likely to impact your child’s development and determine who they become. Of course, nothing is set in stone. The main factor is how you raise them and how much love and support you provide. If you ensure that you are always there for your children, providing them with the help and emotional support they need, it is likely that they will be successful in the future.
