Question

Social and Personality Development in Childhood, By Ross Thompson

1.In what ways does a child’s developing theory of mind resemble how scientists create, refine, and use theories in their work? In other words, would it be appropriate to think of children as informal scientists in their development of social understanding?

2. If there is a poor goodness of fit between a child’s temperament and characteristics of parental care, what can be done to create a better match? Provide a specific example of how this might occur.

3. What are the contributions that parents offer to the development of social and emotional competence in children?

Answer 1

1. Scientists basically observe something. They try to identify problems associated with their observations. After the problem is identified, a hypothesis is being presented to solve that problem. That hypothesis is being tested through number of experiments.

If same results are obtained again and again then a theory is being developed. That theory is challenged by other people and if it remains valid for a long time and without any alterations, then theory is turned into law.

Like in the same manner, children observe their surroundings. They keep on noticing various things. They keep on noticing various events through their conscious and unconscious mind. They confirm people's reactions in response of their actions.

All these turn into their behavior and they develop a personality. They test their hypothesis through the reactions of other people. Through the consent of people in their surroundings they come to know about the validity if their actions which become part of their behavior.

2. Parents are the first teacher of child. They should teach all positive aspects. An encouraging attitude fills children with a sense of confidence. They should support them to take calculated risk. Parents should teach them about facial expressions and also about the different meanings of different gestures.

A sensitivity should be developed in children so that they can realize the negative aspects in their surroundings. Identification of negative aspects helps in suitable selection of positive elements of life. It helps in creation of a positive personality.

3. Parents should behave like a role model for their children. They should act in an emotionally intelligent manner. They should be encouraged to visualize positive scenario/outcomes from any kind of action.

They should teach children about the importance of positive expressions. Concepts of morality, humanity, kindness, sensitivity, wisdom, spirituality, fraternity, time management, lucid thoughts, openness, altruism, optimistic and synchronized behavior should be taught to children so that they can live a meaningful life.