Children’s Moral Development
Children’s moral development can be observed from six months of age onwards. From that moment on, babies are able to distinguish between what is right and what is wrong, an essential quality for the proper functioning of society.
Children’s moral development: when does it happen?
Leading psychologists like Jean Piaget or Sigmund Freud considered that babies are born without any kind of moral sense. However, over the months, and largely thanks to socialization, children develop the morals that allow them to distinguish between good and evil.
These important authors have different theories on this subject. However, both agree with the fact that moral development in children is a process that takes place thanks to socialization and learning from the norms that govern society . Moral appears in each individual through different phases.
Undoubtedly, the development of morality depends to a great extent on the norms that are established in the child’s family environment. Aspects such as respect, tolerance and appropriate behavior are fundamental parts of healthy moral development. This is important for both the child and the environment in which he lives.
Key points for moral development in children
As we have seen, moral development in children is part of a process that begins at six months of age. For this development to occur, it is essential that parents and the closest family environment are involved in the child’s education.
They must teach the core values that will facilitate incorporation into society.
In this sense, there are several key points that parents and teachers must put into practice to make children develop proper morals:
- It is necessary to teach the rules and norms of behavior, both at home and in society.
- In order for the child to correctly absorb what is taught, it is necessary to explain why the rules exist. In addition to explaining the consequences if they are not met.
- It is necessary to encourage teaching through example. It’s not enough to just talk to children and say something is right or wrong. It is necessary to set an example, as this is the most powerful form of learning that can exist.
- It is important for parents to remember that it is not easy for children to understand concepts such as compassion, respect and tolerance, among others. Therefore, it is essential to teach these values through practice and example.
It is recommended that the family environment focus efforts on using praise that positively reinforces what the child does correctly. However, it is also necessary for children to understand that actions have consequences. They must understand that consequences are one of the best ways to build healthy morals.
The school and the environment in moral development
It is true that parents and the closest family are fundamental parts of children’s moral development. But it is also true that school, as well as friends and colleagues, are also essential in this process.
When children start to grow up, they don’t always see their parents as reference figures. In many situations, the environment begins to distort or alter children’s values. Therefore, it is important that parents are involved and pay attention to their children’s education.
It is necessary to remember the importance of supervising what children have contact with in the most varied media. Ideally, they have access to age-appropriate content.
Experts consider that, although children can imitate their idols (singers, actors, sportsmen), this message is not powerful enough to modify the values learned.
In short, moral development in children is a process that takes place starting with socialization and the norms of behavior taught at home. The school, as well as friends and colleagues, are also essential elements in this process.
For all these reasons it is critical that parents are involved in all aspects of their children’s lives . Morals are essential for the good development of the child as an individual, both personally and in society.
