Emotional development through the life stages
Birth and infancy
0-3 years
A baby can’t express its emotions very well so relies on the mother to relieve distress, fear and other
negative emotions.
A baby forms attachment to people close to him/her and will show an increased anxiety, restlessness
with unfamiliar people, so it becomes a critical period if the baby hasn’t bonded with a primary care
giver they will result in suffering later on in life. When a parent responds quickly to a baby’s cries for
food, a dry nappy and affection, the infant will learn to trust but if infant’s cries are ignored his/her
feelings of self – worth are rejected and they become frustrated according to psychoanalyst Erik
Erikson. The early years of a child’s life determine its mental state.
Childhood
4-9 years
At 5, children start to understand their own feelings, start to express and describe them and show
jealously towards their siblings. At 6 children begin to wonder for themselves how things work.
From 6-9 children can easily get frustrated when things get too complex for them. At the age of 7
children show their aggression by throwing and kicking objects. However, this is more common in
boys. Girls may possibly cry to show their anger.
At 7-8 children show competitive spirit when playing games and activities. Children aged 8-9 mostly
express their anger, anxiety and sadness through their feelings. Start to label their feelings, express
needs and opinions in difficult situations and conflicts
Birth and infancy
0-3 years
A baby can’t express its emotions very well so relies on the mother to relieve distress, fear and other
negative emotions.
A baby forms attachment to people close to him/her and will show an increased anxiety, restlessness
with unfamiliar people, so it becomes a critical period if the baby hasn’t bonded with a primary care
giver they will result in suffering later on in life. When a parent responds quickly to a baby’s cries for
food, a dry nappy and affection, the infant will learn to trust but if infant’s cries are ignored his/her
feelings of self – worth are rejected and they become frustrated according to psychoanalyst Erik
Erikson. The early years of a child’s life determine its mental state.
Childhood
4-9 years
At 5, children start to understand their own feelings, start to express and describe them and show
jealously towards their siblings. At 6 children begin to wonder for themselves how things work.
From 6-9 children can easily get frustrated when things get too complex for them. At the age of 7
children show their aggression by throwing and kicking objects. However, this is more common in
boys. Girls may possibly cry to show their anger.
At 7-8 children show competitive spirit when playing games and activities. Children aged 8-9 mostly
express their anger, anxiety and sadness through their feelings. Start to label their feelings, express
needs and opinions in difficult situations and conflicts
