EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN IN EARLY CHILDHOOD
Chorshanbiyeva Gulnoza Akrom qizi
2nd-year student of Applied Psychology
Mirzo Ulugbek National University of Uzbekistan
Scientific advisor: Farhod Rahmatullayev
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Annotation
This article examines the emotional development processes of children aged 1.5 to 3 years, highlighting the emotional states typical for this period and the socio-psychological factors that shape them. Based on research, it explores the quality of emotional bonding with parents and its influence on the child’s psychological development.
Keywords: early childhood, emotional development, emotional regulation, emotional bonding, psychological safety.
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Introduction
Early childhood is considered to span from approximately 1.5 to 3 years of age. During this stage, children undergo rapid physical, psychological, and social development. The once helpless and inactive infant quickly transforms into an active, cheerful child who begins to interact with adults, grasp and use objects, and explore the surrounding world. Children observe their environment, touch and examine objects, respond to sounds, and attempt to replicate those sounds themselves. They also begin to form emotional connections with their mothers and close caregivers.
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Main Part
From the very first months of life, a child’s emotional development begins to take shape. By two months old, an infant can distinguish their mother’s face and voice from others. From 2–3 months, the child begins responding to their mother’s smile or laughter with their own smiles and physical movements. By 3–4 months, the child tries to express their desire to see, hear, or speak with their loved ones. At 8 months, infants show anxiety when placed in unfamiliar environments or in the hands of strangers, often expressed through crying. This anxiety tends to gradually decrease by the age of 14–18 months.
Early childhood is a crucial period in personality development. At this age, children’s actions are primarily driven by emotions rather than deliberate thought. Their behavior can be highly variable—for example, a child may quickly shift from crying to calmness. During this time, children form feelings of love and affection toward their caregivers and strive to receive praise from them. They develop a deep emotional attachment to their parents, often showing obedience and discipline. This strong bond helps meet the child’s fundamental emotional needs and reduces anxiety. Children who feel secure with their mothers become more active and curious about their environment. They also learn and internalize their own names, often defending them and resisting being called by another name. The way adults interact with the child during this period lays the foundation for the child’s self-awareness as a unique individual.
Emotional development is an integral part of psychological growth. It involves the child’s ability to recognize, express, and regulate their own emotions, as well as to understand and appropriately respond to the emotions of others.
Early childhood serves as a fundamental stage in emotional development. During this period, children begin not only to recognize their feelings but also to learn how to express and manage them. It is essential that close adults provide a caring and emotionally supportive environment during this stage.
Emotion is a psychological state that reflects a person’s internal response to external events and stimuli.
Emotional regulation refers to a child’s ability to identify, express, and manage their emotions, including controlling anger.
Emotional bonding is the affectionate, emotionally close relationship formed between the child and the caregiver (usually the mother or teacher). This bond fosters a sense of safety, emotional resilience, and forms the foundation for future social and emotional adaptability.
Psychological safety refers to an environment where individuals feel secure enough to make mistakes, ask questions, propose new ideas, or express opinions without fear of judgment. It implies a climate of mutual respect and trust, enabling individuals to unlock their full personal potential.
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Conclusion
Early childhood is a sensitive and crucial stage in laying the foundation for a child’s emotional life. During this period, the child learns to understand, express, and regulate emotions. A nurturing, attentive, and trust-filled environment is the key to fostering emotional maturity.
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References
1. Janpeysova, Ibragimova. Child and Adolescent Psychology. Tashkent, 2020
2. Davlatov. Child Psychology. Tashkent, 2016
3. Elkonin. Psychology of Child Development
Chorshanbiyeva Gulnoza Mirzo is a 3rd year student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Applied Psychology, National University of Uzbekistan named after Ulugbek.