Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
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
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Healthy Evening Bites or Tiffin Recipies for Your Fussy Toddler
Healthy tummies lead to healthy kids. Make your little munchkins munch on their favourite food in all the new, exciting, and colourful ways, and let them say, “Mummaa yummmmm…” Mommies always search for healthy recipes. Here, I can help you. Let's boost the energy of our kids, after eating these healthy snacks.
Quick and Easy Snack Recipes for Kids
1. Oats Chilla
Ingredients –
Oats (roasted and crushed)-1 cup
Chopped carrot -1 spoon
Chopped beans-1 spoon
Chopped cauliflower-1 spoon
Salt (according to taste)
Buttermilk
Procedure –
Take the oats and roast them in a pan and grind it in the mixer.
Take a bowl and add oats, all chopped veggies, and salt.
Now, add buttermilk and mix well. The consistency should be semi-liquid.
Now, take a non-stick pan, and add a drop of olive oil and spread the mixture on the pan.
Let it cook one side and then from another side.
Cut it in a triangle shape and serve.
2. Beetroot Cutlet
Ingredients-
Grated beetroot -1 bowl
Boiled mashed potatoes-1/2 bowl
Oats - 2 tbsp
Chia seeds -1/2 spoon (optional)
Salt to taste
Coriander leaves
Olive oil - 1 spoon
Procedure-
Take a bowl and add grated beetroot (strain the water well), mashed boiled potatoes, roasted crushed oats, chia seeds, coriander leaves, and salt to taste.
Mix all the ingredients together with hands and make its cutlet in different shapes.
Take a tawa and add a drop of oil, spread it and put a cutlet on the tawa.
Make it brown from both sides, and serve hot.
3. Vegetable Wrap
Ingredients-
Chopped onion -1/2 bowl
Capsicum strings -1/2 bowl
Carrot strings -1/2 bowl
Cottage cheese cubes -1 bowl
Salt to taste
Coriander leaves for garnish
Wrap – plain, thin rotis
Spread- Mint chutney
Procedure-
Add oil to a pan and add chopped onion and sauté.
Add capsicum, carrot, coriander leaves, and cottage cheese cubes.
Sprinkle some salt and mix well.
Take roti, spread the chutney and add paneer filling in the centre. Now wrap it and cover it with foil paper.
Vegetable wrap is ready.
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
Suggested for you
BREASTFEEDING ISN'T A SOLO JOB!!!
PARTNER'S SUPPORT IS EVERYTHING
Breastfeeding is the process of feeding human breast milk to a child, either directly from the breast or by pumping out. It is also called NURSING. It is the best way to make skin to skin contact to make a stronger Bond with your baby.
so,I exclusively breastfeed both my sons for intiall six months and here I am sharing some of my experiences.
Initially due to over milk production and blood flow I had to face problem of breast engorgement, due to which my breast was kind of swollen tender breast that felt extremely full all the time. My newborn was not able to suck all the milk which causes extreme pain in my breasts and which used to make me cry.Another problem ,I faced that I was an exhausted Sleepless mother whose child could not sleep without nipples in his mouth.Sleeping in one position throughout the night after C .section started giving me back pains. Along with these major problem sometimes I had problem of cracked nipples as well, but all this could not have been easy for me without support of my husband and my mother-in-law. My husband was always there, supporting me mentally as well as emotionally in all those Sleepless Nights. He used to take care of my meals.He used to cuddle ,burp our baby after long tiring sessions of breastfeeding. After all these exhausted moments ,when he used to said," Really, it's not easy to be a MOTHER." worked as a magic.He always made me feel special by Reminding me That he Always Find me Sexy. ..used to Spend Time With me as much as he could.. .by taking care of his Gross Stuff. ... used to Offer a Lot of Little Compliments. ...by helping me out with little things.
His KIND WORDS WERE LIKE HONEY, SWEET TO THE SOUL AND HEALING TO THE BONES. Read more
Suggested for you
How to Do The Great Indian Money Talk With your Family
Realise the worth of money while you still have it - this is the mantra your child needs a quick lesson in for a wise and stable future. Discussing about money with your family is essential in helping your child differentiate between saving and wasteful spending.
Instilling value and foresight is every parent’s duty towards their child. One such arena is financial planning. But, discussing money is no easy feat with your children; besides, how does one even start such a conversation? Quelling your anxiety are these easy tips that you can employ to start the uneasy 'money' conversation with your kids.
How to be a Pro at Talking With Your Family About Money
Choose The Right Time
Holidays, special occasions and parties aren't the right time to do serious conversations with your kids. To make money talks easy with kids, choose a time when they are ready to listen and understand what you're trying to say. It could be a break between a tennis game you and your child are playing or when you're driving your child back from his aerobics class. You need to look for the right moment to make these conversations fruitful.
Accept The Differences
Every member is an individual with his or her capacity of thinking. So try and accept if there is a difference in opinion on why your family should talk about money when all the ends are being met comfortably. Involve all the members in the conversation and try to keep the conversations on the light note. Be respectful of your child's perspective and be gentle while explaining the logic of your point. ||
Take It One At a Time
Tempted to have the money conversation all at once with your kid? Stop. The key lies in making them understand what you mean to say each day, slowly. So set some time aside at intervals to discuss finances with kids. To make money related talks easy with them, give them live examples and share day-to-day experiences instead of making it an agenda. Discuss the electricity bill and maybe the installments of the car you just bought.
Avoid Hiding The Figures
For your family to understand how money makes life comfortable and how crisis can lead to discomforts, give them a brief idea about the expenses and incomes that comes in and goes out. Teach them how planning is necessary and why savings are also important. Show them how you plan your spendings and savings to give them a real idea.
Involve The Child
One of the best tips for discussing money matters with your family is to involve your child in managing finances up and close. Give your him a budget for his summer holiday and encourage him to draw up a plan of his spending and saving. Analyse it and point out the discrepancies, to your child, if any.
Letting your child plan finances with you is the best way to teach them to plan their money too. Talk to them about earnings, losses, savings, and expenses. Once you make money talks easy, practical and fun, helping them understand the true value of money wouldn't be a task. Read more
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
At which day should I take pregnancy test
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
11 hours ago
A. after 2 weeks. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
when should I take pregnancy test?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
12 hours ago
A. after missed your periods you can wait for one week more ,then you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
13 hours ago
Q. I am having pcod problem.
but having regular cycles below 35 days. some time it will extended upto 40 days.
so when should I take pregnancy test at home?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
12 hours ago
A. If you have missed your periods you can wait for one week more or else you can do a urine pregnancy test to know about the pregnancy result and consult with your doctor according to the result for medication.
The best treatment to have Regular periods is by having a healthy lifestyle with regular daily walking or jogging along with mild exercise and meditation whenever possible. as medications will only act till you are taking them
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
10 hours ago
Q. Done my first routine blood test ..it shows thyroid border line.its my 6 week running as per USG.
but prior to that my thyroid level was always normal I did check up every year and got it normal .this time it shows borderline high in 6 week pregnancy.
is it something to worry.plz guide
Read moreDr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. it is better to follow your doctors advice for treating the thyroid deficiency. 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Best activity toys for 15 month old baby
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. Toys which have light and also sounds so that is going to be a good option for you to use apart from the different kids have different interest some kids like to play with cars some like to play with something else so just have to try to figure out what your child likes to eat just check what your child is more inclined towards
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. how to gain weight 32weeks
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
5 hours ago
A. You need to have a lot of good proteins and that is what is going to be helpful have a balanced diet and good have good amount of proteins as well which is what is going to be beneficial and good weight gain for your child as well
Check out this new Memory
Simranjeet kour
Mom of a Newborn girl
4 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Simranjeet kour
Mom of a Newborn girl
4 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Simranjeet kour
Mom of a Newborn girl
5 mins ago
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
RENUKA
Mom of a 1 yr 10 m old girl
6 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Rajesh
Guardian of a 6 m old boy
14 mins ago
#babyphotochallenge
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive