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Chapter 1 A Close-Up View of You
Poor health care, on the other hand, can have
a negative, long-term impact. Substance abuse by
a pregnant woman, poor nutrition, or exposure to
harmful radiation can permanently affect a baby’s
brain development.
The Family in the Early Years
Families need to create a safe environment
for a baby to grow and develop. That means they
need to take care of the baby, keep the baby warm
and fed, and protect the baby from things that are
harmful.
However, babies need more from their
environment than just physical care. They also
need an environment that helps them feel secure
and loved. This helps them grow emotionally and
socially. Families need to hold, cuddle, talk to,
and play with the baby. They need to respond to
the baby’s cries.
When children receive warm, loving, and
consistent care, they tend to feel safe and
secure, 1-10. They will want to explore their
environment. The sights, sounds, smells, and
textures they experience help them grow and
develop. With such stimulation, their intellectual
development increases.
As they explore, children discover they are
independent and can do things on their own. The
child’s environment should promote the growth
of independence. Families can provide tasks for
children to do by themselves, such as picking up
toys or getting dressed. When children are not
allowed to try some tasks on their own, they may
doubt their abilities. They may feel ashamed of
their lack of skills. Instead of growing toward
independence, they become more dependent on
others.
Families can also help children learn how
to fit into their surroundings. An environment
with well-defined limits helps young children
learn to control their own behavior. For instance,
they discover that when they kick something, it
moves. They learn that it is okay to kick balls, but
not to kick brothers and sisters! In this way, they
learn that some activities are safe and acceptable
while others are not.
1-10
Reading stories to children makes them feel safe
and loved.
Think More About It
What does consistent care mean? What kinds
of behaviors would you expect to see in a
family that provides consistent care?
The Family in the Teen Years
The family can help teens through the
changes of the teen years by providing a loving
and caring environment that encourages growth.
Such an environment will help both you and your
family cope with changes as you become more
independent. A caring environment will also help
you accept your identity and develop healthy
relationships with others.
One way your family can encourage your
growth is to allow you more opportunities to
make personal decisions. Suppose, for instance,
you want to go on a school-sponsored ski trip.
You could take the responsibility for making
your reservation. Earning the money for the trip
could be your responsibility, too. Taking more
responsibility also helps you develop your own
capabilities for decision making.
Remind yourself that your parents need time
to adjust as you change and develop. You may be
changing faster than your parents are adjusting.
You can help your family maintain a loving
family environment through your actions. Show
respect for their ideas, requests, and feelings. This
will help them listen and show respect for your
thoughts and feelings.