When I Think of Child Development

This course has taught me that the health of a child is dependent on so much more than healthy eating. Healthy childhood development is dependent on the adequate provision of physical needs like nutritious food and reliable shelter, but also positive, prosocial relationships, cognitive stimulation, an abundance of language, and above all else, an abundance of love.

This is a photo of my healthy, beautiful, younger sister indulging in a special rice crispy treat.
(Photo circa 1998)

"What the child can do in cooperation today,
he can do alone tomorrow."
-Lee Vygotsky, 1934

This is a photo of my husband helping our almost two year old nephew over a bridge in Nashville.  This picture represents to me an example of the Zone of Proximal Development that Vygotsky wrote about and that defines much of childhood development for me.  Here, my nephew may have been unable to champion the bridge safely on his own, but with the help of a loving uncle and a little bit of concentration, he was able to cross over to the other side.

 

"One of the most important things we adults can do for a child is to model the kind of person we would like them to be."
Carol B. Hillman

The identical expressions on the faces of my husband and our sweet nephew here represent so much to me with regards to this young man's healthy development.  Here he is shown surrounded by a supportive, loving, stimulating family in a setting where laughter and exploration are encouraged.  What more could a young boy be offered?