Understanding Child Development: A Guide for Parents and Teachers
- Saga Arthursson
- Feb 16
- 3 min read
Dr. Saga Arthursson,, PhD., BPsych., MAAPI
Every child develops in their own unique way, growing in how they think, feel, and interact with the world around them. As parents and teachers, we often find ourselves wondering: What should my child be able to do at this stage? How can I best support their learning and emotional growth?
Child development theories help us make sense of these questions. From Jean Piaget’s ideas about how thinking evolves, to Lev Vygotsky’s focus on social learning and Urie Bronfenbrenner’s exploration of environmental influences, these theories provide valuable insights. But with so many perspectives, how do we know which ones matter most? More importantly, how can we apply them in real life?
Understanding the Key Theories
Piaget: How Children Think and Learn
Jean Piaget’s work focuses on how children’s thinking develops in stages. He suggested that children move through four key stages of understanding, from early sensory exploration in infancy to logical and abstract thinking in adolescence. This helps explain why a toddler might struggle to share or why a young child might find it difficult to grasp concepts like time or fairness.
How this helps parents and teachers:
Young children learn best through hands-on experiences. If a child struggles to understand a concept, they may not be ready for it just yet—giving them time and practical experiences will help.
Expecting a child to think like an adult is unrealistic. Understanding Piaget’s stages can help us set age-appropriate expectations.
Vygotsky: The Importance of Social Learning
Lev Vygotsky believed that learning happens through interactions with others. He introduced the concept of the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)—the idea that children learn best when they are supported just beyond what they can do independently. When a teacher, parent, or peer provides the right level of guidance, children can achieve more than they would on their own.
How this helps parents and teachers:
Learning is a social process. Encouraging discussions, collaboration, and guided support helps children thrive.
Providing just the right amount of help—rather than doing things for them—builds independence and confidence.
Bronfenbrenner: How the Environment Shapes Development
Urie Bronfenbrenner introduced the ecological systems theory, which explains how different layers of a child’s environment—from family and school to wider cultural and societal influences—shape their growth.
How this helps parents and teachers:
A child’s development is influenced by their surroundings, including home life, friendships, school policies, and community support.
Positive relationships between parents and teachers create a strong support system for children. Communication and collaboration between home and school are essential.
Moving Beyond Stages: A More Flexible View of Development
While these theories provide useful guidance, modern research suggests that development isn’t always a straight path. Some children develop certain skills earlier or later than others, and that’s okay.
For example:
Some children may show advanced reasoning in one area (like maths) while struggling in another (like social skills).
A child who is emotionally sensitive may need extra time to develop resilience and self-regulation.
Children with neurodivergent traits (such as autism or ADHD) may follow a different developmental timeline, requiring personalised support.
Rather than viewing development as a checklist, it helps to see it as a journey—one that looks different for every child.
How Can Parents and Teachers Best Support a Child’s Development?
With so many theories and research findings, it can feel overwhelming to know where to focus. The best way to support a child’s growth is to:
Focus on real-life experiences: Children learn best through play, conversation, and hands-on learning. Rather than rushing them through stages, support their natural curiosity.
Encourage social interactions: Whether through guided play, teamwork, or storytelling, children benefit from learning with and from others.
Create a positive environment: Feeling safe and supported at home and in school is crucial for development. A child who feels understood and valued is more likely to thrive.
Be patient with individual differences: Every child develops at their own pace. Instead of comparing children, focus on their progress and strengths.
Collaborate as a team: Parents and teachers working together create the best outcomes for children. Sharing observations, challenges, and successes ensures that children receive consistent support.
Final Thoughts
Child development isn’t about strict stages or timelines—it’s about understanding the whole child and providing the right support at the right time. By combining insights from different theories and applying them in flexible, practical ways, parents and teachers can help children develop confidence, resilience, and a love for learning.
Every child is unique, and their journey will have ups and downs. But with patience, understanding, and the right guidance, we can help them reach their full potential.
Disclaimer: This blog was created with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy by Saga Psychology.
Comments