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Child psychology is one of the most frequently studied subdivisions of psychology.

And for good reasons. The development that one undergoes through childhood and his experiences during that time, have implications that last his whole life. Child psychology focuses on the mental care of children from the time they are babies until they become adolescents.

In this course you will learn everything you need to know about the:

• Physical

• Cognitive

• Social

• And emotional development of children.

Read more

Child psychology is one of the most frequently studied subdivisions of psychology.

And for good reasons. The development that one undergoes through childhood and his experiences during that time, have implications that last his whole life. Child psychology focuses on the mental care of children from the time they are babies until they become adolescents.

In this course you will learn everything you need to know about the:

• Physical

• Cognitive

• Social

• And emotional development of children.

Physical development refers to the physical actions children can perform and how their body changes, as they grow up. Cognitive development refers to the process by which children acquire knowledge. Emotional development, refers to how children regulate and express their feelings. And finally social development encompasses interactions and relationships that children form.

We will also explore the developmental stages that kids progress through as they grow up. By understanding these stages, you can measure how a child is developing compared to others kids of his age, and identify possible hidden problems with delayed development.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

• Identify influences that interact with a child’s development.

• Get a firm grasp of how children grow, think and behave.

• Understand why they develop the way they do.

You will be able to use everything you learned to:

-Improve your parenting skills.

-Improve your teaching skills.

-Benefit and assist children in other areas.

Everything you will learn in this course will have a positive impact on:

• How you take care of

• And educate children.

Knowing child psychology isn’t just a nice thing to know, it is essential in assisting children’s healthy growth.

Enrol now to get started.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Quizzes after each lecture, to test your knowledge.
  • Get a firm grasp of how children grow, think and behave.
  • Explore the developmental milestones that kids progress through.
  • Understand how children manage and regulate their emotions.
  • Learn how children develop and improve their social skills.
  • Explore complex topics like self-regulation and self-control.
  • Understand the biological and environmental influences on development.
  • Learn about the motor abilities of children.
  • Thorough dives into children’s cognitive development.
  • Get an understanding of how children interact and create relationships with adults.
  • Learn how children express their emotions.
  • Explore how children interact and build relationships with peers.
  • And many more, like self-awareness, morality and empathy.
  • Learn in a fun and straight-forward way.
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Early Childhood Physical Development

There are a lot of factors that influence the development of a child. Some of them are biological and others are caused by the environment where the child grows up. In this lecture we will explore these factors.

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Test your knowledge on what you learned about the factors that affect the development of a child.

In this lecture we will learn about the physical development of children, since their mobility abilities affect other areas of development, such as their mental, emotional and social skills.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about the physical development of children.

In this lecture we are going to explore how children interact and develop relationships with adults, and how they achieve social and emotional development, according to child psychology.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about how children interact and develop relationships with adults.

Alongside with relationships with adults, children interact and create relationships with children they know, such as siblings, children in their child care or in their neighborhood. These relationships give them chances to develop and improve their social skills.

In this lecture we will learn how children interact and build relationships with peers, according to child psychology.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about how children communicate and create friendships with peers.

Children from the beginning of their lives express emotions, through facial expressions, vocalizations and their body language. In this lecture we will explore how children express their emotions.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about how children express emotions and the impact of societal norms on this process.

In this lecture we will discuss what is emotion regulation, when and how children exhibit it, according to child psychology, and what roles do adults and culture play in this process.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about how children regulate their own emotions and the role of caregivers.

In this lecture we are going to learn about the development of self-regulation and self-control in children. We will also examine the role that parents play in this process, and the impact of the ability to exercise self-control in life.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about when and how do children acquire self-control & how caregivers can help them.

In this lecture we will learn what is empathy, why it is important, how children develop it and the role that their caregiver’s play in it’s development.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about how do children learn to be empathetic and the role of their caregivers.

In this lecture we will learn about the cognitive development of children, according to child psychology.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about the stages of children's cognitive development.

In this lecture we will learn how children form a mental representation of the world, and how they modify it when presented with new information.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about how children interpret and understand the world.

In this lecture we will discuss what is self-awareness and how children develop it, according to child psychology.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about when and how children develop self-awareness.

In this lecture we will learn what is moral development, and how children achieve it, according to child psychology.

Test your knowledge on what you learned about the moral development of children.

Test your knowledge of key concepts in child psychology with this practice test. This test covers all the lessons of the course. Each question is designed to challenge your understanding of what you learned. Good luck!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by experienced instructors with recognized work in child psychology research and practice
Develops theories and skills for working with children across a variety of roles including parenting, teaching and caregiving
Covers a wide range of topics relevant to understanding and supporting child development
Utilizes a mix of videos, readings, and discussions to enhance learning
Provides opportunities for assessment and feedback through quizzes and assignments

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Reviews summary

Foundational child psychology for caregivers

According to learners, this course offers a well-structured and easy-to-follow introduction to child psychology and development, covering key aspects like physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. It is highly regarded for providing a solid foundational understanding, particularly beneficial for parents, aspiring educators, and caregivers seeking to improve their skills and understanding of children. Students frequently praise the clear and concise explanations from the instructor, making complex topics accessible. While many found the quizzes helpful for knowledge reinforcement, a few learners noted they could be more challenging or offer deeper application. Some professionals also found the content to be more of a general overview than an in-depth academic study, suggesting it's best for beginners rather than those seeking advanced specialization.
Provides actionable insights for immediate application.
"As a new parent, I found the information on cognitive and emotional development particularly useful for understanding my child's behavior."
"Absolutely fantastic! As a kindergarten teacher, I found many actionable insights into understanding children's emotional regulation..."
"I learned so much about the different stages of development and how to apply this knowledge. The course content is straightforward and actionable."
Ideal for beginners and those needing a strong introductory grasp.
"Overall a very good introduction to child psychology. It covers a broad range of topics from physical to social development."
"I enjoyed this course. It provided a clear structure for understanding how children develop. ... It's a good starting point."
"Perfect for parents and aspiring educators! ... Great for building foundational knowledge."
The course is highly praised for its organized and understandable material.
"This course was incredibly well-structured and easy to follow. ... The quizzes after each lecture were a great way to reinforce learning."
"Overall a very good introduction to child psychology. ... The instructor explained concepts clearly."
"Highly recommend this course! It's comprehensive, easy to understand, and provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in child psychology."
A few suggest incorporating more current research or detailed strategies.
"Good basic introduction. ... However, it definitely needs more updated research or references."
"I was hoping for more specific strategies for dealing with common developmental challenges."
"I felt that more recent theories or practical, real-world examples could enhance the learning experience."
Quizzes reinforce learning but could benefit from more complexity.
"The quizzes were a bit too simple. It's a good foundational course..."
"Quizzes are just multiple choice recall, not much application."
"The quizzes were good for checking understanding, though I agree they could be more challenging."
Some learners found it too basic for professional-level study.
"Some parts felt a bit basic for someone with a background in psychology, but for beginners, it's perfect."
"While the topics covered are relevant, I felt the course lacked the academic rigor I was expecting. It felt more like a general overview than a deep dive."
"The content is solid, but I wished for more in-depth case studies or examples beyond the theoretical explanations."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Child Psychology and Development: From Baby to Teen with these activities:
Review Child Development
Refresh your existing knowledge of Child Development to ensure you have a solid foundation for this course.
Browse courses on Child Development
Show steps
  • Review your notes or textbooks from previous Child Development courses.
  • Take practice quizzes or tests to assess your current level of understanding.
Practice Quiz for Each Section
Taking practice quizzes after each lecture will help reinforce the material you have learned and identify areas where you need further review.
Browse courses on Child Psychology
Show steps
  • After completing each lecture, take the corresponding practice quiz.
  • Review the quiz results and identify any questions you answered incorrectly.
  • Go back to the lecture and review the material related to the questions you missed.
Create a Timeline of Child Development Milestones
Creating a timeline will help you visualize the key developmental milestones in children and understand how they progress through different stages.
Browse courses on Child Development
Show steps
  • Gather information from the course materials, textbooks, or other resources about the key developmental milestones in children.
  • Create a timeline using a spreadsheet, presentation software, or other visual tool.
  • Include the age range, a brief description, and any relevant examples for each milestone.
  • Review and refine your timeline based on feedback from your instructor or peers.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read "The Developing Child" by Donna Bryant
"The Developing Child" provides a comprehensive overview of child development from prenatal stages to adolescence, offering additional insights and perspectives to complement the course materials.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book "The Developing Child" by Donna Bryant.
  • Read each chapter thoroughly, taking notes and highlighting important concepts.
  • Summarize the main ideas and theories presented in the book.
Discussion Group on Child Development Theories
Engaging in discussions with peers will allow you to share perspectives, learn from others, and deepen your understanding of child development theories.
Browse courses on Child Psychology
Show steps
  • Join a discussion group or forum related to child development.
  • Actively participate in discussions by sharing your insights, asking questions, and responding to others.
  • Summarize the key points and insights gained from the discussions.
Volunteer as a Mentor for Children
Mentoring children will provide you with hands-on experience in applying child development principles and observing children's growth and development firsthand.
Browse courses on Child Development
Show steps
  • Identify a local organization or program that offers mentoring opportunities for children.
  • Complete the necessary training and background checks required by the organization.
  • Regularly meet with your assigned child and provide support, guidance, and activities that promote their development.
  • Reflect on your experiences and identify ways to improve your mentoring skills.
Develop a Child Development Intervention Plan
Creating an intervention plan will allow you to apply your knowledge of child development to address specific developmental challenges or concerns.
Browse courses on Child Development
Show steps
  • Identify a specific child development issue or concern that you want to address.
  • Research evidence-based interventions and strategies that are appropriate for the identified issue.
  • Develop a detailed plan that outlines the goals, objectives, and specific activities of the intervention.
  • Implement the plan and monitor the child's progress.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete Child Psychology and Development: From Baby to Teen will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Child Psychologist
Children frequently turn to Child Psychologists for support. This course can help Child Psychologists understand the mental, emotional, and social struggles that a child or teenaged patient is going through. By understanding the mental, emotional, and social obstacles that a patient is going through, a Child Psychologist can provide support and teach coping mechanisms.
Pediatric Social Worker
Pediatric Social Workers help children and teens that are dealing with a wide range of challenges, such as family problems, mental health issues, and chronic illnesses. This course will provide Pediatric Social Workers with an understanding of how children's mental, emotional, and social development are all interrelated and how this understanding can be used to best help their patients.
Childcare Provider
Childcare Providers develop and implement care plans for children in a wide variety of settings, such as homes, daycares, and preschools. This course can help Childcare Providers better understand how children develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, and socially so that they can better care for and support children in their care.
Developmental Psychologist
Developmental Psychologists study the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children. This course will provide Developmental Psychologists with a strong foundation in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children, which can help them develop new ways to study human development.
Pediatric Registered Nurse
Pediatric Registered Nurses provide treatment and care for sick and injured children. This course can help Pediatric Registered Nurses understand the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional needs of children in their care and how this understanding can be used to best care for these children.
School Counselor
School Counselors help students succeed in school and prepare for the future. This course will provide School Counselors with strategies for supporting the different developmental needs of their students so that they can better guide them through their academic, personal, and social development.
Child Psychiatrist
Child Psychiatrists diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in children. This course will provide Child Psychiatrists with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
Educational Psychologist
Educational Psychologists help children and adolescents with learning and behavioral problems. This course will provide Educational Psychologists with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, and social development of children and how this understanding can be used to help students succeed in school.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapists help people with disabilities or injuries to improve their physical and cognitive function. This course may be useful for Occupational Therapists who work with children, as it will provide them with an understanding of the physical and cognitive development of children so that they can better assist their patients.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists help people with communication and swallowing disorders. This course may be useful for Speech-Language Pathologists who work with children, as it will provide them with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, and social development of children so that they can better support their patients.
Teacher
Teachers educate and support students in their academic, personal, and social development. This course will provide Teachers with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children so that they can better support the development of their students.
Early Intervention Specialist
Early Intervention Specialists provide services to infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities. This course will provide Early Intervention Specialists with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children so that they can better support the development of their clients.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate personal and social problems. This course may be useful for Social Workers who work with children and families, as it will provide them with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children so that they can better support their clients.
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the administrative functions of an organization. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who work with employees with children, as it will provide them with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children so that they can better support their employees.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, and coordinate healthcare delivery in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators who work with children, as it will provide them with an understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children so that they can better support the development of their patients.

Reading list

We've selected ten books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Child Psychology and Development: From Baby to Teen.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of human development, from conception to death. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of humans.
This comprehensive textbook provides a thorough overview of child psychology, from prenatal development through adolescence. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of child development, with a focus on the developing child. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the major theories of child development. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the different perspectives on child development.
Classic textbook on child development that covers all aspects of development from conception to adolescence. It valuable resource for students and professionals in the field.
This textbook provides a concise overview of child development, with a focus on the latest research. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of child development, with a focus on the application of theory to practice. It is an excellent resource for students who want to learn more about how to use child development theory to inform their work with children.
Provides advice on how to nurture your child's intellectual growth. It valuable resource for parents of children with high IQs.

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