The early childhood period often
called the 'wonder years' from 0 -3
years and thereafter up to 7 to 8
years are the most crucial years for child
development and growth. A major part of
brain development, almost up to 70 to 80 per cent, happens during this period.
Every child needs positive stimulation
and nurturing for healthy development.
Children's early experiences and the environment they grow up in often have a
major impact on how the brain adapts to
situations and develops for learning.
Therefore, a home is considered the best
place for development.
A child learns with
all kinds of 'experiences', and since most
development happens at this stage their
brain growth helps them to make meaning
out of these experiences. A child also
learns through play, so play is one of the best
mediums for them to learn. They learn
through their 'senses', so activation of all
the senses i.e. touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste make an impact in terms of how
they perceive things. Playing with clay,
doing puzzles, singing rhymes, and playing
outdoor games allows the child to develop physically and cognitively.
Any adverse or traumatic event at this
stage is often stored as a memory, especially
if the child does not have a safe place or
person to go to or to resolve and work through the issue or the trauma.
There is evidence now to show that
adversity and stress can affect the
child's developing brain and make some
children more susceptible to stress-related
disorders later in life. These disorders can
impact their physical health, learning and
education, employment and
mental health
issues.
How our children behave is part of child growth. It is very important to observe the child's behaviour as they are
giving us signals of what we can do for
them. Research has indicated that young
children can experience a range of mental
health issues like
depression, anxiety disorders or anti-social behaviours that are
normally considered adult behaviours.
For example, Rima (name changed),
four years old is a timid child. She does not talk to others and only responds when
spoken to and often wets her bed. She
does not like to play in a group and cries
when anyone speaks in a loud voice.
Upon talking to the parents, it was understood that she has repeatedly seen her
parents fight verbally and physically in
front of her.
Rima was given support by
individual therapy to overcome her fear, as well as parental counselling, was conducted so that she has a conducive environment at home to grow positively.
Therefore, a multifaceted approach
needs to be taken for the proper growth and
development of a child. This must include
not only the individual (the child) but also
the parents, schools and communities.
Interventions need to be consistent, effective and nurturing at the same time for the healthy growth of the child. A child must
have a reliable and safe place at home as
well as at out-of-home care. With every
little behaviour of theirs, they are telling
you something about themselves. Observe your child closely, listen to them
carefully, take away their fears and support their needs and moreover. It is of extreme importance to treat children with a
lot of love.
By: Meenakshi Barthakur,
Consultant Psychologist
Ask Dr. Sangeeta Goswami, counselling psychologist
How can I help my seven-year-old child overcome her
phobia for cats?
Extreme or irrational fear or aversion to something is called
Phobia. Most of us have fears of some kind or the other but if
it becomes very intense, it may interfere with our daily to day
activities. You may try to gradually expose your child to cats
in a step by step manner. For example, initially watching the
cat from far, then moving closer to the cat, then next moving
around the cat and finally allowing the child to touch and pet
the cat. This should be done over a period of a time. Do not
rush the child. Allow the child to take her time for each step.
Appreciate your child every time she is able to do the activity.
In case she is unable to any of the steps, reach out to mental
health professionals for support
Dr. Sangeeta Goswami, is the first counselling psychologist to have set up an
independent counselling clinic in North East India in 1996. In 2006, she and
her husband Mr Abhijit Goswami established MIND India, Institute of Positive
Mental Health & Research dedicated to the cause of ushering in the benefits
of positive mental health and wellbeing to the general population Dr. Goswami
has been providing counselling and psycho - therapy for individuals with issues
related to adjustment problems, anxiety, depression, work stress, career,
academics, marriage and family counselling. Dr. Goswami is running a comprehensive multi - disciplinary mental wellness centre , under MIND India which
is one of its kind in the North East of India
MIND India Wellness Centre is a comprehensive multi-disciplinary mental health
facility creating a space to address every facet of positive living and wellbeing
from children to elderly care
187 Maniram Dewan Road, Chandmari , Guwahati 781 003; Assam, India,
0361-2667269, +91 98640 67594, 9101439197, 8876043151, 7002098629
www.mindindia.org
www.facebook.com/mindindiaassam
Insta: mindindia_
Email: mindindiacontact@gmail.com; sangeetamind@gmail.com