Connection Between Environment And Child's Development

 

The environment where a child is born or raised plays a crucial role in shaping the child's development. It influences the child's physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth. From the moment a child is born, he/ she begins to interact with the environment or surroundings, absorbing experiences and stimuli that shape his/ her understanding of the world. The connection between the environment and child's development is too complex, with various factors contributing to a child's overall development. As a result of that, understanding the impact of environment on child's development is essential for parents and caregivers to create a nurturing environment that supports child's growth and well-being. 

The most noticeable way the environment impacts on child's development is through exposure to natural environments. Spending time with natural systems has been shown to have numerous benefits for children, including improved cognitive functioning, increased creativity, and better emotional regulation. For example, a study conducted in Finland has found out that children who spent more time in natural environment had better attention spans and were more likely to engage in physical activities. In Japan, the "forest bathing" or "Shinrin-yoku" is a popular practice for promoting children's physical and mental health. It is used to bring children closer to natural systems.

The environment also plays a critical role in shaping a child's development. Urban design, architecture, and access to green spaces can either promote or hinder child's physical activity, social interactions, and cognitive development. For example, a study in Australia found out that children who lived in neighbourhoods with safe and accessible parks were more likely to engage in physical activity and better mental health. In the United States, cities like New York and San Francisco have implemented initiatives to create more child friendly public spaces, promoting physical activity and social interactions.

The home environment is another critical factor in shaping child's development. A nurturing and supportive home environment can foster healthy development, while a stressful or chaotic home environment can have negative effects. For example, a study in UK found out that children who grew up in homes with high levels of conflict and stress were more likely to experience emotional and behavioral difficulties. In contrast, a study in Canada reported that children who grew up in homes with warm and supportive parents and caregivers were more likely to develop healthy attachment styles and better social skills. 

Examples of the connections between environment and child's development can be seen in various cultures and countries. In New Zealand, the government has implemented initiatives to promote outdoor learning and environmental education, recognizing the importance of nature in shaping children's development. In Sweden, parents and caregivers are encouraged to prioritize outdoor play and exploration, with many preschools and schools incorporating nature-based learning into their curricula. In our time, due to what we call civilization and urbanization, millions of children are separated from the natural world: flora, fauna, and all marine ecosystems (biodiversity). Children of today do not visit any forest. They cannot differentiate between a lion and tiger. They do not know that lions cannot climb trees, whereas the tigers do. They cannot differentiate between the hawk and eagle. They only know trees like mango, cashew, avocado, and coconut only because they are found in some cities around the world. They hardly know the different types of forests in the world and the habitats found in them. They know nothing about natural systems. They are in the world, but do not know nature. They are typical strangers to the knowledge of flora, fauna, and marine ecosystems species: their kingdoms, class, and phylum. 

In conclusion, the connection between the environment and child's development is too vast and unimaginable. By understanding the impact of environment on child's development, parents and caregivers can create a nurturing environment that supports children's growth and well-being. From natural environment to built environment, and from home environment to community spaces, every known aspect of a child's environment plays a key role in shaping the child's development. Every child is a product of his environment! By prioritizing children's environment needs and promoting healthy development, we can help children thrive and become successful in life. Every child deserves a supportive and nurturing environment that allows him/ her to learn, grow, prosper, and flourish.

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