Childhood Articles

Childhood amnesia is quite common. Here are ways to help you remember.

Childhood is a special time where we learn a lot about the world, people, friends, family, and ourselves. Children learn from their parents and often model after them.  Whether you have children or you’re considering having them, learning about child development is important. You will gain insight into how the mind of a child works, and how your own childhood experiences may have impacted your life. Childhood can be idyllic or traumatic or possibly a mixture of both. Learning about this period of our lives can be enlightening and even surprising. The articles in this section aim to show you more about this developmental period of our lives. Once you become an adult, putting yourself inside a child’s mind can be inherently challenging. Reading about how a child’s mind works and learning what to expect during particular developmental phases is important.

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Medically Reviewed By: Aaron Horn, LMFT, MA

Childhood

Childhood can be a wonderful time. You are learning about the world, bonding with your parents, spending time with your friends, and everything is new. The innocence of childhood is a spectacular thing. Children have a point of view that is truly special and unique. When raising children, it is important to remember that you are always making an impression on them. Kids have a lot to say, and they may have insight into different areas of your life. You are teaching them, but they are also teaching you. Whether you have your own kids or you are working with them as a teacher or in some other capacity, children have a lot to show us through the way that they perceive the world.

Childhood Trauma

While childhood can be a special and beautiful time, some people experience childhood trauma or abuse. Physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse during childhood are things that many people have dealt with. It is difficult to look back on someone's childhood and realize that they have been through such pain. People who have been abused can be scared to develop new relationships. If you are a survivor of childhood abuse, it’s essential to seek treatment for your past so that you can heal.

What We Learn As Children

If you are a parent of a child, remember that you are watching a younger person explore, learn about himself or herself, and learn about the world that they live in. They are different from you, although you likely have things in common with them. Whether you are a biological parent or you have adopted a child, you have a tremendous influence on this person’s life - more prominent than anyone else’s. One of the most wonderful things about being a human being is learning. We are always learning, no matter how old we are. Children know this intuitively and continue to seek out knowledge. We learn by actively by seeking out knowledge and passively by experiencing the world around us.

Remember What Childhood Felt Like To You

If you have kids or even if you’re a teacher, it doesn’t necessarily mean you remember what it was like to be a child. If you want to help children, one of the best things you can do is to emphasize that you want to understand what they’re feeling emotionally. There are many times in life when we don’t feel heard. That’s why valuing children’s opinions is a beautiful thing. Listen to what kids tell you. They are fascinated by the world, and they want you to show them things, teach them how to ride a bike, and comfort them when they cry. 

When Your Child Needs Help

Sometimes, children struggle to work through psychological issues. You may be the parent of a special needs child. Perhaps, you are the mother of a child who is dealing with Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) or ADHD. If you are having difficulties with what your child is experiencing, online therapy can be an excellent resource for you to talk out those issues. There’s also something called family counseling, where you and your child can attend counseling together. Search the online network of BetterHelp counselors and see if there’s anybody that you connect with that you can use to work through your challenges surrounding parenting.

Conclusion

Childhood is one of the most distinctive times in our lives and when you are raising children, remember that your child is important, beautiful, and valuable to the world.

The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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