Summary

In this study session you have learned that:

1. A healthy childhood is the foundation for a healthy adulthood and a healthy population.
2. Childhood is a period of physical, intellectual and emotional development. Typical developmental progress in these areas is mapped by developmental milestones that can help you assess the child’s development in relation to others of a similar age.
3. Children with intellectual disability have a delay in intellectual development. This impairment is usually first manifested through delays in motor development (for example when the child starts walking), and poor progress with speech and functioning.
4. Having a child with ID requires substantial adjustment on the part of the parents. Despite this, many parents retain a good quality of life and discover special qualities in their children that are emotionally rewarding.
5. Parents can do several practical things to support their child’s development, including encouraging the child to do what they can do; praising them when they succeed but overlooking their failures or bad behaviour; helping them to practise and develop basic living skills such as washing themselves and greeting others appropriately.
6. Enuresis is a common childhood problem that often improves with time and without the need for intervention. In children without a physical cause for enuresis, the best approach is to emphasise support of the child rather than criticism or punishment.
7. Psychical, emotional or sexual abuse of children can have a long-lasting emotional impact. When you suspect child abuse you should, through tactful action, try all you can to stop the abuse.
8. Conduct disorder, depression, anxiety, autism and ADHD are other childhood behavioural conditions that you should look out for in your community. Most of these conditions are helped by firm supportive guidance from family members and teachers.