Session 4

Unit Two: How Children Grow and Develop

Overview of Child Development

In this session, you will learn about child development, how child maltreatment may affect typical child development including the attachment process, review definitions of child maltreatment, and learn strategies for strengthening relationships.

Having a broad understanding of these issues will help you in parenting children who have been abused and neglected as well as knowing when to seek additional assessment or treatment.

If you find you need more space or you don't have access to a printer, remember that you can use your Resource Guide or plain paper to complete these questions.

	So, what do you think foster and adoptive parents need to know about child development?

Did your answers include any of these points? Know what behavior to expect at certain ages. Recognize developmental lags and seek help to determine underlying cause, i.e., a child’s inability to button a shirt or tie shoelaces might be due to a lack in developing fine motor skills or a lack of opportunity to practice because child never had a button-up shirt or shoes with laces. Help the child prepare for the next developmental steps. The parent would not be expecting particular behaviors before the child is ready. Print out your response to share with the trainers. Or, if you didn't have access to a printer, email this page. Type your name in the blank below and then hit the email button.