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Developmental Psychology - Psychosocial Development Age 2–6

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    Study Guide Developmental Psychology – Psychosocial Development: Age 2 – 6 1. Family Relationships: Ages 2 – 6 Family plays a huge role in a preschooler’s growth. The way children develop physically, mentally, and socially is influenced by many factors in the family — parenting styles, discipline, siblings, finances, health, and overall family circumstances. Let’s break down the main influe nces. 1.1 Parenting Parents use different approaches to guide and raise their children. These approaches, or parenting styles , are shaped by culture, community, the situation, and the child’s behavior. Parenting styles are often described by two main dimensions: 1. Parental control – How strict or restrictive parents are 2. Parental warmth – How loving, supportive, and affectionate parents are Four common parenting styles: • Authoritarian: High control, low warmth → may produce fearful or dependent children • Permissive: High warmth, low control → may produce rebellious children • Indifferent (or neglectful): Low warmth, low control → may produce hostile or delinquent children • Authoritative: Balanced control and warmth → promotes communication, problem - solving, and healthy development In families with two parents, different styles can sometimes balance each other out . For example, a permissive mother may balance an authoritarian father’s strictness. Negotiating with children is also important. When parents discuss rules and decisions with their children, it teaches them about fairness, cooperation, and shared responsibility . But parents should still maintain authority when needed — too much negotiation can create power struggles.

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    Study Guide 1.2 Siblings Siblings are often a child’s first peers . Preschoolers learn social skills, cooperation, and conflict resolution by interacting with brothers and sisters. Sibling relationships can be both equal and unequal at the same time, providing unique lessons in human interaction. Only children are not at a disadvantage. Research shows that children without siblings often perform as well as, or better than, children with siblings in terms of personality, intelligence, and achievement . One reason is that only children often receive more focused attention from their parents. 1.3 Family Circumstances and Social Class Family circumstances, including income, household stability, and access to resources , strongly affect a child’s development. Children usually do better in financially stable, intact families , but not all families have these resources. Some families may struggle to afford quality daycare or healthcare, which can have long - term emotional effects on children. Sociologist Melvin Kohn studied how social class affects parenting. He found: • Working - class parents often focus on obedience and following rules • Middle - class parents often emphasize self - expression, curiosity, and motivation This shows that social class shapes not only a child’s experiences but also their attitudes, behavior, and psychosocial development . Summary For preschoolers, family is everything . Parenting style, siblings, family finances, and social class all influence how children learn, behave, and interact with others. Warm, supportive parenting combined with healthy family relationships helps children build confidence, social skills, and emo tional resilience that lasts a lifetime.

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    Study Guide 2. Friends and Playmates: Ages 2 – 6 2.1 Early Relationships Matter The way children form friendships is often influenced by their family relationships. Kids who have loving, stable, and accepting relationships with their parents and siblings usually find it easier to build positive relationships with friends and playmates. 2.2 First Friendships Children usually form their first true friendships around age 3 , though they may play alongside other children even earlier. Just like adults, preschoolers tend to choose friends who: • Share similar interests • Are friendly and supportive • Are similar in size or appearance 2.3 What Friends Teach Friendships are more than just fun — they’re also learning experiences . Playing with friends helps children: • Handle anger and frustrations • Share and cooperate • Learn values like fairness and kindness • Practice more mature behaviors 2.4 Popular vs. Less Popular Children Some children are naturally popular with their peers . These kids know how to be a good friend , not just how to have friends. They share, cooperate, and handle conflicts well.

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