Bringing up a child comes with several responsibilities, and improving their behavioral patterns is also your responsibility as a parent. Sometimes it is easier to convert their behavior towards an effective way. When things are not under your control, then it is necessary to seek help from a child behavioral psychologist. A childhood psychologist is a specialist who understands the psychological needs of a child.
1. Definition of Child Psychology
The term child psychology, also popularly known as child development, is the study of children’s various psychological processes and stages. It tells the difference between the behaviors and psychological processes of children and adults. It also deals with the knowledge of how one child is different from another. Child psychology is a treatment that is very common and important for today’s generation as they are dealing with lots of issues and disorders affecting their families too. (See What Is Parentification?)
2. Job of a Childhood Psychologist
A child psychologist is an expert, and they work with children and administer them. They carry on research and engage in sessions with children, families, and groups concerning the child. They understand that the mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders influencing children need to be treated differently from adults. To understand the situation precisely and to continue with the right treatment, the child psychologist often includes other people related to the child in the sessions. Check out the best child psychology books.
A child behavioral psychologist or a childhood psychologist links the behavior of the child with their issues and accordingly treats them. They are available at several places, like in their clinics, academic institutions, government institutions, and private institutions. A psychologist working at schools or colleges helps children address the problem and ways of implementing performance. The psychologist also provides counseling to the teachers and guardians. (See What is a Positive Mindset?)
3. Psychological Needs of a Child
A child behavioral psychologist understands that a child has several psychological needs, but their needs are different from adults. In 1990, an American psychologist, Epstein, developed the concept of basic psychological needs based on the empirical findings of psychological research. In 2006, another psychologist, Grawe, developed and elaborated on this concept saying that every parent needs to understand the need to fulfill their own psychological needs for their child. (See What are the 7 Laws of Attraction?)
Below are some of the psychological needs that a child requires.
- Children appreciate acceptance. They are happy and contented when they know they are valued, and slowly, they will learn to behave to get your acceptance. Never disown your child just because they made a mistake or were not up to your expectations.
- Achievement should be valued, but failure should not be a parameter to measure their worth. They should understand the importance of knowledge and how to achieve success to move confidently in their lives.
- Attention is necessary, and you need to be attentive toward your child. They should know how to attract your attention peacefully, and you should also respond to them.
- According to a child behavioral psychologist, expressing is also essential for a child. They should have the confidence to express themselves in front of you. There should not be a fearful environment restricting a child from doing that.
- Friendship is a part of their growth. Therefore, you should encourage them to socialize. A child should learn ways to have a good relationship with different children, irrespective of their caste, color, or creed.
- Love is the basic requirement for them. The love of their parents enhances their mental and physical growth.
- Respect is necessary to develop self-esteem in a child. Teach your children to respect themselves and others. Also, as a parent, learn to respect your children but never make them feel they are above you. (Also read How to Deal With a Disrespectful Child?)
4. Things Influencing a Child’s Psychology
Child psychology encompasses a wide range of topics, and the following is the list of major subjects that are dealt with by the child psychologist. Must read the nature of a whiny child.
- Personality development,
- Genetics,
- Environmental influences,
- Gender roles,
- Cognitive development,
- Language,
- Prenatal development,
- Social growth,
- Sexual development.
5. Behavioral Changes of a Child
A child may suffer from one or more behavioral problems at a time. And if left unattended, then these difficulties may continue to affect their lives as adults too. According to a child behavioral psychologist, these problems include the following.
- Social adjustments, diet, speech,
- Sleep, emotional, sexual, and anti-social problems,
- Educational difficulties and habits disorders. (See How to Heal Yourself Emotionally?)
6. Ways to Improve the Physical Health of a Child
You can adopt the following methods to improve your children’s physical health.
- Their food should be nutritious and adequate for them according to their age and nutritional requirements.
- With proper food habits, they should also do regular exercise. You can involve them in physical activities and games that involve more physical and mental work.
- Sleeping place and duration should be maintained as per their age.
- You should keep a record of their vaccinations and maintain a clean and healthy environment for your children. (Also read Woes of the Bored and Lonely Mind)
7. Ways to Improve the Mental Health of a Child
Children should learn to give and take respect. They must grow up in safe and secure surroundings. For the healthy mental development of your children, you can take the following steps. Must read about internal vs external locus of control.
- As a parent, it is your responsibility that everyone in the family be affectionate towards your child. Unnecessary nagging, demeaning, bullying, and other behaviors should not be followed by their siblings or any elderly.
- According to a child behavioral psychologist, every child must have the opportunity to play with other children. This is important for their physical, mental, and social-behavioral development.
- Ensure that the teachers at their school or institute are supportive or not because every child needs supporting, understanding, and encouraging teachers to develop self-esteem and self-confidence.
- As a parent, it is your responsibility to provide proper guidance to your children about right and wrong. Proper discipline must be incorporated into their system during the early years. (See How to Deal With Family Members Who Put You Down?)
8. Ways in which a Teacher can Help a Child
A teacher is an ultimate guide for children, and they play a significant role in their mental and psychological development. As a teacher, you can follow the following methods to help in the proper development of children.
- Appreciate them and maintain a happy relationship with them. Avoid being biased among students and maintain a proper classroom environment.
- Allow them an adequate rest time after activities.
- Try out some extracurricular activities or co-curricular activities apart from basic course studies.
- Try giving responsibilities and power to children to develop their leadership qualities. (Also read How to Stay in the Present?)
So, a child behavioral psychologist understands various needs and factors related to the psychological needs of a child. It is always the best choice to visit a childhood psychologist whenever you feel the child is not being their usual self or is behaving awkwardly. (See What is Breakup Therapy?)
