Children are tender, not only physically, but also psychologically. What may be so obvious and easy for an adult, may be perceived as difficult and discomforting by a child! The surroundings have a deeper impact on kids and that's what makes them more vulnerable to every little change going on around them.

Elements That Impact a Child's Well-Being

There can be various environmental factors that affect child development and some of them are mentioned below.

1. On psychological levels

• Child-parent chemistry

This factor is very crucial and begins even before the birth of a child. Parents are the closest people with whom a child lives for most of their lives. The way parents communicate their feelings and express themselves to the child can have an enormous effect on their emotional state and mental growth. If the parenting style is balanced and allows the kid to freely express themselves, it leads to better concentration and self-confidence. The time spent with the child, conversation patterns, dealing with one's own emotions and opinions, are important things that are largely defined by the parent's interaction with their kids.

• Basic learning phase

Cognitive Development is a more accurate term for this phase. It's an early age when a child is absorbing everything around him/her and learning at a rapid pace. But, there is more to it. It's the same time when you introduce the child to school. A healthy atmosphere in the preschool or school makes learning easier for them. Instead of following a conventional and strict approach, a more open, playful, and child-friendly approach should be adopted. This could drastically dissolve the negative issues affecting early childhood education. Parents can also play educational games and enhance their child's ability to learn more.

• Social and cultural factors

Children interact with other kids, neighbors, relatives, teachers, and even strangers within the society. It is an obvious fact that social culture plays a huge part in their lives. Having quality playtime with other kids improves the child's mood. Their social skills are sharpened when they have a healthy peer group. Being surrounded by positive-minded teachers boosts the self-confidence and learning abilities of the children.

• Finances

Out of all the elements, the financial state of the family is one of the strongest factors affecting child development. A well-managed life in terms of finances means a better life and more quality time with the kids. The economic condition is responsible for the way parents are perceived by relatives and the rest of society. It plays a great role in the mental well-being of parents and their emotional bonding with kids. Apart from that, it also allows them to access l a good education, a healthy diet, and lifestyle for the whole family.

2. On physical levels

• Physical surroundings

In simple terms, it is the living space for your child. Anything present in this area has the power to impact your child's brain. For example, an overcrowded house, poor ventilation, loud noises within or around the house, lack of natural light and any toxic exposure can delay or interrupt growth.

• Nutrition and diet

If a person's physical health is not strong, it is bound to impact their mental and emotional health and vice versa. This is especially true in the case of young ones. Their body and mind is going through rapid growth and needs a diet that provides high nourishment.

Suggestions for a Better Child Development

• Open communication with kids

As the kids grow, they develop their own views about the world and feel a certain way. Sometimes, their thought process may be a little different from the adults and may not l align well with societal norms. Nevertheless, parents should encourage them to share their views and handle difficult emotions without feeling sorry. Listening to the kids is equally essential. With time, the kids get better at handling conflicts and negative situations.

• Good financial background

A safe financial future relaxes the parents. It also gives a sense of security to the kids, as they don't see the parents worrying over fulfilling small needs. So, money does act as one of the factors affecting child development. Living on a budget, prioritizing expenditures, instilling in the child the value of money earned through hard work helps in creating a better person.

• Edutainment

Traditional ways of teaching cause boredom in kids. There are many ways that make learning fun. As a result, kids feel equally interested in their school life as compared to their life at home. Everything from the tone of the teacher, playful method of teaching, listening to the kids, to the school atmosphere, matters a lot.

• Healthy social interactions

Your child will bloom when put in a supportive and healthy social environment, where the peers are well-behaved, teachers respect the self-esteem of kids, and the relatives are tender and sensitive toward the kids. This improves the quality of social interactions between the child and others.

• Clean and healthy surrounding

Amongst the other environmental factors that affect child development, the physical structure and ambiance of the home play a crucial role. A house that has sunlight, proper aeration, along with a quiet atmosphere and good sleep, results in kids with better development and growth.

• Proper nutrition

A balanced diet rich in proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables, contributes to full growth and development of the child. Healthy eating habits, like eating on time, having freshly prepared meals, consuming minimum sugars and junk foods, sharpens memory and leads to better cognitive and social skills in kids.

Summary

Children perceive their surroundings in a far different way from adults. There are several environmental factors that leave an impact on the overall growth and development of the child. These may include the behavior of parents, the society they live in, the atmosphere at home and school. By taking care of small things, parents can enhance the development of their kids and help them grow.