22 Part One Children in Today’s World
Child development is one of
the most fascinating subjects you
can study. Children are constantly
changing and discovering. They
are also curious and creative.
Who else would use a cardboard
box for a house, a car, or a hiding
place? If you spend any time with
children, you know they can be
lovable and challenging.
How will studying children
help you? You may be interested
in a career in which you care for
children. One of your future goals
may be to become a parent. Learning
about children will help you better
understand them as well as yourself.
As you learn, you will see that
children go through many stages of
growth and development. This book
emphasizes the early years because
1-1
Activities that are fun and challenging encourage
intellectual and social development.
these years are the most important in
shaping children’s lives.
Studying children will also
help you learn positive ways
to care for them. People like to
think they live in a child-centered
society—a society that sees children
as important, cares about their
well-being, and works to meet their
needs. However, some children
also experience a great deal of harm
through abuse and neglect. Children
need safe environments. They need
homes, schools, and other places
where they can develop to their full
potential, 1-1. All children should
have the chance to grow in an
environment that will promote their
health and well-being. By studying
children, you will learn how to
provide these safe places.