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Moral Development in Children - Stages and Concepts
Nurturing children to grow up into individuals who honour the good in people and condemn the wrong can be just what the world needs. In order to help your children discern between what’s right and wrong, you will need to begin to lay a strong foundation of morality in their early years. Promoting childhood moral development is the key to bringing up compassionate and emotionally sound human beings.
What is Morality?
Morality is the ability to draw a line between right and wrong. A person’s morality is what guides their actions, thoughts, attitude, and behaviour towards others. It can be based on the environment that the person has grown up in, along with the emotional intelligence and cognitive skills of the person.
What is Moral Development?
Moral development is the comprehension and the evolution of morality in an individual right from infancy to adulthood, and beyond. Many psychologists have tried to analyse the idea of moral development in children by observing changes in their approach and understanding of morality.
Stages of Moral Development in Children
There are 5 major stages of moral development in children.
1. Infancy (0 to 2 years)
At this age, infants do not have the ability moralize. Their idea of right and wrong stems from what feels comfortable and what does not. It is important to understand that in the womb, the baby was never alone, never hungry and was in constant contact with the mother. If this fails to happen in the outside world, the infant perceives this as something 'wrong'. Being fed, held and cuddled is what feels naturally right for the baby.
2. Toddlerhood (2 to 3 years)
Although at this age your toddler may not yet be able to differentiate between right and wrong, he will have learnt the concept of 'others' and will begin to take people into account before taking any action. While he can’t tell why he can’t take his sibling’s toys away or why he can’t hit others, he will learn not to do so because he understands that he will be punished or reprimanded in some form. At this age, your toddler will play by your rules in order to avoid reinforcement.
3. Preschoolers (3 to 7 years)
These are the formative ages of moral development. This is when your child internalizes the values that are taught in the family and that he can see around him. He looks for constant appropriation from his parents and as such will need you to direct him and take charge of the rules. Your child will also understand that being considerate towards others is important as people are affected by actions. He will draw a link between action and reaction, which necessarily means that if he misbehaves, he’ll face some form of reinforcement. Children also tend to have an empathy-based morality that rationalizes that if they hurt somebody that person will feel bad.
4. Pre-teens (7 to 11 years)
This is the age when children begin to understand that adults probably don’t have everything figured out! Although they still obey authority, they are capable of judging the fairness of rules and identify the concept of equality. At this age, they will have a strong idea about what should be done and what needs to be shunned. They will also come to believe that children have opinions that need to be heard too.
5. Adolescents
Teens are largely influenced by peer pressure. However, they do understand that their actions have consequences and may sometimes negatively affect others. Their sense of morality is more abstract and they find it negotiable to suit their needs. Since they are driven by peer pressure they may resort to morally wrong ways to impress their peers. At this age, parents become more like advisors and consultants to them than an authoritative figure.
Freud’s Concept of Moral Development
Freud’s concept of moral development is based on his theory of id, ego and the superego. Through these theories, he proposed that there is a tension between the needs of the individual and the needs of the society at large.
The id is associated with the part of the mind that is self-preserving and is only interested in self-gain. However, the superego stems from the moral centre and is more concerned with what’s right for the society.
Freud believed that a child would have achieved moral development if the child is able to make the transition from the id to the superego keeping in mind societal interests.
Skinner’s Concept of Moral Development
Skinner laid emphasis on the idea that the environment that the child grows up in or is primarily subjected to lays a foundation of the child’s morality. This translates to how the behaviour and the attitude of the parents and caretakers is, and how it shapes the child’s moral standing.
Piaget’s View on Moral Development
Piaget drew parallels between the intellectual development of a child and his moral development. He also said that a child’s morality is best developed through interactions with groups and exposure to decision making. At a very young age, the child’s behaviour is guided by how he will be affected by an action. At this age, rules are very important and are deemed as something that cannot be altered and children are only concerned with the outcome of an action. As the child matures intellectually he begins to realize the need to examine the motive behind an action and not just the consequences. At this age, the child also begins to analyze the fairness of the rules are and will allow negotiation to ensure fairness to all parties involved.
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development
Kohlberg was in congruence with Piaget in the belief that cognitive and intellectual development was necessary to progress through the stages of moral development. His six stages (grouped under three levels) of moral development were based on the response of a group of children to a story posing questions and moral dilemmas.
Level 1: Preconventional morality
This applies to children under the age of ten. Here, the children are concerned with avoiding punishment and ensuring that their needs are met. It has two stages.
Stage 1: Obedience and Punishment orientation
Children obey parents or adults in authority for the sole reason of avoiding punishment.
Stage 2: Exchange, Individualism, and Instrumentation
Children, at this stage, begin to believe that the concept of rightness can be subjective and viewed from an individual’s viewpoint. They also base their actions on moral reciprocity and may tend to internalize an eye for an eye judgment method. They also learn to make deals and except payoffs for positive behaviour.
Level 2: Conventional morality
This stage begins at the age of ten and can stretch well into adulthood, with certain adults. It may remain the same throughout their lives. Children gravitate towards acceptable behaviour and the actions of adult role models.
Stage 3: Interpersonal conformity
Children engage in good deeds in order to be viewed as good people within a set social group.
Stage 4: Social System and Law and Order
Rules are followed out of respect for authority and to maintain general order in the society.
Level 3: Post Conventional morality
Only about 10 to 15 percent of the adults achieve this stage where their morality is based on reasoning and principles that they have chosen for themselves. Most people don’t achieve this stage as they take moral values from people around them
Stage 5: Social contract and individual rights
Although rules are made for the benefit of the majority, there can be individual exceptions.
Stage 6: Universal principles and ethics
People in this stage are guided by their individual principles that are applicable universally, like equality and human rights. They conform to rules that abide by these principles and shun the others.
Parents’ Role in Moral Development of Kids
You have an active role in shaping the foundation of morality in your child and can utilize it to help your child grow up to become a considerate human being. Here are a few guidelines on how to promote moral development in children.
1. Set Rules And Utilize Teaching Opportunities
It is essential that your child has a clear demarcation between what can be done and what needs to be avoided. Take time to explain to your child why certain behaviours like lying or hurting someone is wrong. Use this as an opportunity to teach a moral lesson to your child.
2. Be A Good Role Model
Children are very impressionable and mimic adults to the T sometimes. This is why it is important to exercise kindness and compassion in the way you deal with others and your children.
3. Positive Reinforcement
Reward a morally right behaviour with positive reinforcement so that your child knows that he is being appreciated for doing the right thing.
4. Community Participation
Tasks like volunteering can instil a strong sense of community and the idea of giving back in your child. Working side by side with your children as you clean up parks or help out at senior homes can help your child grow into socially and emotionally skilled individual.
Moral development in children is a necessary part of their growth process and can help steer them in the right direction. It is important that you take the opportunity to help your child understand and internalise positive and good values right from the childhood.
Also Read: 25 Animal Stories for Kids with Moral Lessons Read more
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Frequent Bowel Movements During Pregnancy
When you are pregnant, a lot of small problems can be an indication of a much larger problem. One of the most overlooked issues of pregnancy is pooping a lot, especially during late pregnancy. Often, it is not a problem but frequent bowel movements during pregnancy can be a sign of an infection, a condition called irritable bowel syndrome or allergies. To better understand how much is too much when it comes to bowel movements during pregnancy, it is first important to understand if this is a normal phenomenon.
Is It Normal to Poop a Lot During Pregnancy?
The first thing we must understand about bowel movements is that it varies from person to person. In most cases, frequent bowel movements during early pregnancy is a symptom of minor hormonal changes that are common during this period. In some cases, however, frequent bowel movements can be a sign of an infection, irritable bowel syndrome or an upset stomach. Considering this aspect, we recommend you go off spicy foods, fried foods, and foods that are hard to digest when you are pregnant and poop frequently. Apart from this, you may have increased your intake of fruits and vegetables during this phase as well. This can also lead to an increase in the number of bowel movements you have in a day, as certain fruits like prunes, apples, and kiwis can act as a natural laxative. At any rate, it’s usually best to be visiting the bathroom often than being constipated, as long as there isn’t an unhealthy reason behind this development!
How to Ensure Excessive Pooping Is Not Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is commonly the cause of frequent bowel movements. It is also important to note that diarrhoea often results in stools that are watery or present in a semi-liquid form. In most cases, during pregnancy, if your stools are solid, it is not diarrhoea. If you are pooping often and it isn’t diarrhoea, consult your doctor to rule out any infections or other complications.
What if You Are Suffering From Diarrhoea?
In case you are suffering from diarrhoea, you shouldn’t panic; this is extremely normal during pregnancy. Diarrhoea during pregnancy is most commonly caused due to the shift in hormone levels and weaker immunity, which puts a strain on your digestive tract. If you are suffering from diarrhoea, first consult your doctor. If the doctor says there is no food poisoning or infection or any other medical problem or condition (apart from the pregnancy itself), then make key lifestyle changes by avoiding the consumption of heavy foods, sugary drinks, and other hard-to-digest consumables. Remember to exercise as well as this helps your digestive tract a lot and keeps your body resistant to conditions that may harm you due to a weakened immune system.
When to Call a Doctor
In most cases, frequent bowel movements during pregnancy, from the second trimester to the end of your pregnancy, should be monitored carefully. During the first trimester, the risk of suffering any complications is minimal. After the first trimester, diarrhoea and frequent stools will be common but will dissipate within a couple of days or a week at most. If this doesn’t happen, visit a doctor immediately.
Frequent bowel movements during pregnancy can strain an already exhausted body. During this time, the stools will drain essential minerals from your body and dehydrate you. It is important that you stay hydrated and consume mineral-infused water frequently during this period. For more information about frequent bowel movements during your pregnancy, consult your doctor.
Also Read: Pooping When Giving Birth to Baby Read more
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Wait Until It's Your Turn - Patience is Bitter But Its Fruit Is Sweet
My name is Nisha Pathania. I have been waiting to conceive for 7 years. I tried every possibility to become a mom. I've visited every religious temples, performed pujas and pathh, gone mad with medical treatments, and have tried everything to achieve that one target which all women dream of achieving in their lives. Despite condemnation from others, my hubby was my support system. I left my job to avoid any stress while conceiving. I was only focused on getting pregnant, in any way possible. I was stressed out and even thought that it would be better to divorce my husband, so that he could get married and have kids with someone else. But he always motivated me, saying that we will have our own kids one day, and will stay together whatever the condition is. After being in this relationship for 7 years, I thought of giving it one last try, failing which I would adopt a child. Well, after completion of years, I finally conceived. The bundle of joy knocked on our door. I cried a lot for my baby, but the day I saw the two red lines, tears rolled out with happiness. Years of patience, hope, and love had finally paid off! God blessed me with a normal delivery and we had a healthy and cute baby boy. My husband was my strength throughout the process; at every level of happiness, stress, joy, and depression, he was by my side always. Now, our baby has become the love of our life. His smile makes us forget our mountains of sorrow and stress. Thank You God!
Well, believe in God, for He has special plans for people who want to be parents. We are enjoying parenthood. Never lose hope. Wait until your turn comes; I can bet you that patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet. You will forget all your sorrows once your little one plays in your arms. Although it's not easy to always listen to advice, later, you will be advising the same thing to others who are waiting for a child.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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The Single Mom's Guide to Christmas Shopping for the Kids
‘Tis the season to be jolly... Fa-la-la-la-la...!
Unless you are a single mom. Then ‘tis the season to lose your calm because you are going to be spending the rest of December racking your brains about buying everyone the perfect Christmas gift!
7 Tips to Sort Out Every Single Mom’s Christmas Shopping for Kids
Christmas is very different for single moms – you’re perhaps the only adult that’s getting things done. There might not be as much time to relax as you’d like there to be. For some, budget too might be an issue. Keeping all these things in mind, here are 5 simple strategies you can employ to sort out your Christmas shopping for the kids, while also saving some big bucks.
1. Buy outfits that can outlast winter.
Christmas is a time when a lot of families go shopping. Your kids might want to go shopping for new clothes too. However, everything that you buy for Christmas need not be Christmas-y or winter-y. Some things can be normal too. So be a smart shopper. Look for clothes that you can mix and match. Look for colours and patterns that will not go obsolete in the coming months.
2. Add the Christmas touch to outfits with accessories.
If the clothes you buy for your children don’t say ‘Christmas’, you can add to their look by throwing in some Christmas-y accessories. Look for reindeer horns, Santa hats, and the likes to add the Christmas touch to your kids’ outfits.
3. Buy a potted Christmas tree.
Instead of buying an artificial Christmas tree that is only going to be wrapped up and stuffed away in the attic within 5 days, why not buy an actual Christmas tree? Get a potted one if you live in an apartment, or just plant one in your garden. The best thing about this is that you are helping make the planet greener and cleaner. Most artificial Christmas trees end up in the dustbin eventually, adding to consumerist waste. A living, breathing Christmas tree, on the other hand, is not only recyclable, it is also more authentic!
4. Don’t buy Christmas tree ornaments – make them.
Instead of buying readymade over-priced ornaments for your Christmas tree, give your children a free hand and ask them to make ornaments for the tree. If your children still insist on buying ornaments, then try and shop for ornaments that will help raise money for charity. That way, the money you spend is at least going towards a good cause! Most fashion brands and stores across different shopping malls in the city will offer you such an opportunity. Grab it!
5. Make your own stocking.
This can be a great way to engage your children in some quality DIY time. Stockings are not practical to hold gifts (except small, cute stocking fillers). Nevertheless, they are an inseparable part of Christmas. You can use your child’s old sweaters and convert the sleeves into stockings. You can also cut out the typical stocking shape from the body of the sweater and either stitch or glue the open ends together. You can even use felt to make your own stockings of the desired size. Fill the stocking over the days leading up to Christmas with little gifts like candy or other small items that will all add up to delight your child on Christmas.
6. Buy experiences rather than things. (But also buy something.)
Kids are, in a way, very simple with their demands. They want things, and they ask for them. But as parents, we know that experiences are more important than material things. So instead of buying ‘things’ for your children, buy them an experience: tickets to a kids’ drama festival, vouchers to the local zoo or museum, etc. Such gifts will not only make an everlasting impression, they will also help develop your child’s overall personality. But do also buy them a present they’d appreciate. The joy of unwrapping a present is unparalleled.
7. Cultivate the emotion of donation.
Gratitude, empathy, sharing, are important virtues that need to be carefully cultivated by seeding children’s childhood with appropriate acts. One of the best times of the year to start doing this is in December... as the weather gets cold and harsh, acts of kindness can warm the heart! One of the best ways to get your children to be conscientious in their demands for a Christmas present is to encourage them to donate from their own belongings.
Even as a single mom, Christmas shopping need not be something you look at as an enduring task that is ultimately going to burn a hole in your pocket. Approach it with a little bit of creative thinking, a little bit of organisation, and a lot of hot chocolate, and you’ll never know when it’s done and dusted!
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Fun Facts About Christmas for Kids
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World Day Against Child Labour – How you Can Save a Childhood
As you read this, your child is probably busy studying, playing with friends or relishing a snack. For millions of child labourers under the same sky, school or two square meals are only dreams. In the worldwide movement against child labour, the UN declared June 12 as the World Day Against Child Labour. Do spare a thought for how you too can help save childhoods from being lost forever.
As per recent global estimates, a distressing 120 million children who are 5-14 years of age are child labourers. World Day Against Child Labour on June 12, first started in 2002, is an initiative by the International Labour Organization. While the world has certainly seen progress in child protection and education, we are far from eradicating child labour. Children below 14 years still toil in establishments such as hotels, restaurants, garages, automobile workshops and as domestic help. What's worse is that child labour often magnifies into deeper problems like child trafficking and sexual abuse.
Reasons Child Labour Still Haunts Us
Poverty
Lack of employment for the parents
Lack of social protection by the government
Failure to ensure attendance in school
Failure to meet the minimum age for employment (14 years)
Poor education and teaching standards
Behavioural indifference
What You Can Do to End Child Labour
Annually on the World Day Against Child Labour, the ILO reviews the shortfall in achieving a world free of child labour. Impoverished parents often fail to educate their child who then has no option but to take any job he can find. Even though illiteracy, poverty and unemployment present a seemingly vicious cycle, pitching in to stop this malpractice is still possible.
Be a socially-responsible consumer
Many large corporates employ child labourers in their manufacturing units – something consumers should not encourage. Read up about the origin of products you purchase and steer clear of any brands that don't follow fair trade and workforce practices.
Associate with the local children's NGO or help-group
Whenever possible, get together with your kids and contribute to your local children's NGO or a larger group such as the Bachpan Bachao Andolan. Give financial aid, books or learning toys as well as time in teaching lessons. You never know which kid you may inspire to work hard and take up a decent job when older!
Charity begins at home
Employing a child below the minimum age of employment can land the employer in trouble – a rule that is often bent and taken lightly. If you find child labourers employed by your neighbour, the local grocery store or a garage, speak to the manager and tell him this is illegal.
Bring up your child with a sense of equality and fairness
Never let your child feel superior solely on account of higher financial or social standing. As moms, it is important to build empathy and equity in our children so they can grow up to be socially responsible citizens.
You are a lucky mom with a kid who's lucky to have you too. On this World Day Against Child Labour, take time out to reflect on the unlucky kids who spend the otherwise glorious childhood toiling for their bread. After all, all children deserve to be loved and cherished, not left to suffer in silence. Read more
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert what is painless vaccine
child will be in some pain after it or no pain
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 mins ago
A. cfc. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Manali K Mehta has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
11 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert and my periods cramps already occurs from 15 days
Manali K Mehta
Mom of 2 children
7 mins ago
A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with your gynecologist because physical examination is important for proper diagnosis and treatment
please maintain hygiene properly with Babyhug instant sanitizer
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert Can I eat dates from 8th month of pregnancy?
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
5 mins ago
A. yes can eat it in moderate amount..
it is goid source of iron.
gmdo take more of protien rich food during last trimister n drink lots of fluids..
olk
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
my baby doing potty after taken breast feed from last night and yesterday the color of potty is green. is it normal as my baby is 27 days old
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
4 mins ago
A. yes normal in newborn babies..
burp well after feeding is imp..
n motger shoukd eat healthy diet..
keep good hygien..
o. k.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
hi ma'am
I'm 36 weeks pregnant.
vaginal discharge is heavy to me is it common?
and one more thing when is the best time for Doppler study
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
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A. Fetal doppler ultrasound is a common imaging technique in obstetrics to examine the fetal heart and blood vessels, especially important at 32 weeks. Not only is it safe and highly accurate, 32 weeks pregnant doppler ultrasound can also detect abnormalities that are often invisible with ultrasound.
Manali K Mehta has added a new answer
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Q. #asktheexpert hello mam
Manali K Mehta
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A. hi parent
good morning
if you have any questions please ask here so we can help you better
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