The Impact of Prenatal Development & Early Childhood Experiences on Adolescent Social/Emotional Development

Prenatal development and early childhood experiences lay the foundation for an individual's social and emotional well-being. Factors such as maternal stress, nutrition, and prenatal care can influence brain development and emotional regulation. Adverse early childhood experiences (neglect, trauma, or lack of secure attachment) can impact emotional resilience and social interactions in adolescence.

Developmental Stages

Infancy (0-12 months)

The section on Infancy (0-12 months) discusses key social and emotional milestones that infants typically reach within their first year. These include forming secure attachments with caregivers, responding to emotions in others, and beginning to express basic emotions like joy, sadness, and distress.

 

Early Childhood (3-6 years)

The Early Childhood (3-6 years) section highlights key social and emotional milestones and strategies for supporting children's development in this stage.

 

Middle Childhood (6-12 years)

The Middle Childhood (6-12 years) focuses on the social and emotional milestones that children typically achieve during middle childhood (ages 6-12) and provides strategies that educators can use to support this development.