The development of the self in early childhood

The Beginnings of Personal Identity

During the early childhood years, children face very significant changes in the development of their self-perception.

It is between the ages of three and five that children begin to think about themselves and develop their first and very important self-concept.

This process of identity formation is critical as it lays the foundation for emotional and social health throughout life.

The way a child views themselves during this stage will directly influence how they will handle setbacks and peer pressure later in life.

Developing a healthy self, which includes self-concept, self-esteem, and self-regulation, is one of the most crucial tasks of this period.

Self-Concept: Defining Who I Am

Self-concept is defined as the set of attributes, skills, attitudes, and values that an individual believes make them define themselves as a unique person.

In early childhood, children are likely to describe themselves using terms that are very specific and completely concrete.

For example, a young child might define their self-concept with phrases like "I am three years old," "I have a dog," or "I have many friends."

They may also describe some of their emotions in very specific ways, such as "I am happy when I am in school."

This description is based on observable facts and external characteristics, reflecting the level of cognitive development at that particular stage.

Self-Esteem: Judgment of My Own Worth

Self-esteem is the aspect of the self-concept that involves the judgments each of us makes about our own worth and the associated feelings.

Healthy self-esteem is one of the most important characteristics for the proper and healthy development of any child in their early stages.

It is shaped by the amount of love, support, and encouragement that children receive from important people in their lives, such as parents and teachers.

Positive self-esteem acts as a protective factor for good mental health and helps children handle setbacks with greater resilience.

Self-Regulation: Guiding Behavior

Finally, self-regulation is defined as the set of processes we use to guide our own thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

This skill is essential for achieving the goals we have set for ourselves and for interacting effectively with our social environment.

The development of self-regulation in early childhood is a gradual process that is closely linked to the development of self-concept and self-esteem.

As children gain a better understanding of themselves and feel more secure, their ability to manage their impulses and emotional responses increases.