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Childhood Development

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Childhood Development Essay
The years from two to six years of age are referred to as early childhood or the preschool years of the developmental process (Rathus, 2012, p. 123). The early childhood years are critical to the future develop of the child. The brain development is intensive and sensitive to external environmental influences; therefore, it is imperative that its stimulation and nutrition are adequate and influences are positive (Makkaoui, 2009). “The brain develops more quickly than any other organ in early childhood (Rathus, 2012, p. 124). Such development helps to ensure that each child reaches his or her potential and is a productive part of a rapidly changing, global society (Makkaoui, 2009). As their nervous system matures, their motor skills explode and their movements become more and more precise and coordinated (Rathus, 2012, p. 125).
The physical development is somewhat of a natural process. A few weeks after conception, the embryo is visible (Rathus, 2012, p. 37). If the mother takes the proper precautions by receiving adequate nutrition, medical attention, physical exercise and rest and relaxation, the embryo will continue to develop and grow into a fetus and eventually enters the world of the unknown outside the womb (Rathus, 2012, pp. 37-40). After the birth, the physical growth continues voluntarily. There is no formula or recipe that one must remember in order to assure the child continue to grow. Provided the child receives the proper nutrition, their physical growth and motor skills will continue to soar. Their thought process is symbolic. Pretend play develops, the “why” questions are numerable, and their thinking is one dimensional. Everything is all about them (Rathus, 2012, pp. 132-135). Unlike the physical development, the cognitive, social and emotional growth process are not so natural.
During the cognitive

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