To ask what is essential for a child's development?

[Redredwine2020]

I'm having an argument about what is essential to a child's development.

I say social opportunities outside of the home/family are essential. As well as exposure to regular life experiences/skills outside of the home.

AIBU?

What would you consider essential?

engaging in open ended questions with caregivers thus being given opportunities to give their answers , their opinions etc , being given the opportunity and being encouraged to use independence at an early age ( eg - cutlery / cups/teethbrushing /laces/getting dressed)

Encouraging them to understand, name and discuss their emotions (why theyre feeling that way, why someone else might be feeling/reacting a certain way) at an early age (nothing too heavy just 'are you feeling x? What is it that you are angry about?' Ah yes, I know that feeling, it makes me feel sad when x happens too'). Emotional balance and understanding of yourself is hugely underrated but will lead to better well-adjusted adults

Oh and I don't think the issue is about whether you get these things externally or at home.

Safe place where their needs are met and their caregivers respond to their emotions and allow exploration and growing independence. That can probably be achieved at home but enhanced by outside play, exploration and socialising.

Home
Food
Time
Money
Aspiration

Surely it depends what age child you are talking about?
A 1 yo doesn't need experiences outside of the family, a 10yo does.

Articulate conversation and quality face to face interaction about everything. And books. Mountains of books. It really makes a difference when it comes to school.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

@TeenMinusTests

Surely it depends what age child you are talking about? A 1 yo doesn't need experiences outside of the family, a 10yo does.

@TeenMinusTests I'm not sure I agree. My DD turned 1 in December and once we come out of lockdown to a more "normal" level of socialisation with strangers, out and about in public, there is a huge chance she is going to struggle with usual interactions. That would've previously been taken for granted

Well development is individual. Whilst wider social interaction may be deemed typically essential, it’s not the case on individual basis, in fact for some children wider social interaction may hinder their individual developmental trajectory.

Ms I see your point. The pandemic is very unusual though in as much as we are teaching children to avoid others / be scared.

I think it depends on the context of the question.

Respect and love for them as individuals and fair but firm boundaries! Everything else follows from there.

Love and security.

@Br1ll1ant

Home Food Time Money Aspiration

All of those and I would add

Good role models
Work ethic
Education
Access to culture and activities
Being a priority

Maslow is your man.

Honestly, as an experienced early years teacher, I would say love, safety , boundaries and patience

For young children, before school age
A loving safe environment with caregivers who meet the child’s needs for food, rest, and safety.
Lots of talking and books.
Lots of play.
Basically everything a young child needs is right there in a little bubble.

Scaffolding

@MsSquiz don’t worry or assume that will
Happen my middle dc was in hospital until she was 2 basically in a cubicle and many of the people we met were in the same position. Most of them have done fine in the outside world.

@Onedrinktoomany2 I'm not too concerned about DD, she smiles and waves (and now chats) to anyone that she passes on our walks and as we have a childcare/support bubble with my BIL, SIL & their 3 kids, she has been lucky to still have that social interaction to a degree.

I think the pandemic makes a difference as there will be a full generation of babies/toddlers in the same boat, whereas children in hospital like your DD would've had peers at nursery to learn social norms from.

@TeenMinusTests

Surely it depends what age child you are talking about? A 1 yo doesn't need experiences outside of the family, a 10yo does.

I would agree. It's normal for a 1yo to be nervous of strangers.

All of mine went out the same amount, dd1 would go to anyone, dd2 would scream the place down if a stranger even looked at her (especially if they wore a hat) and ds would dive into my lap and do a limpet impression but happily chat (in baby babble) and smile at them.

Dd2 probably had the most social interaction because of dd1.
As teens/young adults dd1 is the least sociable. Figure it out!

I assume this is a roundabout way to make a point about the covid restrictions so YABU

Increasing independence.

@MadeOfStarStuff no its really not.

Its an argument with social services about whether it is appropriate for a 6 year child to never be able to leave the house except to go to his specialist school because he needs 1-1 at all times out of the house and single parent can't provide it due to having other children too. Apparantly it is fine because said child is safe at home with mum and siblings.

Emotional needs for love & affection met. Praise & approval.
Structure, routine,clear boundaries& expectations. Consequences for poor behaviour.
A range of activity to develop confidence and social skills l (empathy,
negotiation,teamwork,group dynamics,friendships etc.)
Practical life skills like being organised, being able to do some things independently like dressing themself, tidying their room, etc.