Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

A Is For Aphorism: Give Me The Child Until They Are Seven And I Will Show You The Man, Georga Cooke, Rae Thomas

Rae Thomas

This aphorism is true for some, but not most. Child development is about both continuity and change. Experiences in early childhood shape cognitions and new experiences are integrated into familiar models of relationships. For example, children who have experienced rejection from parents will often assume rejection from others, not initiate positive contacts, isolate themselves, and consequently experience rejection from peers. But they may also experience a caring and supportive teacher who assists them in making lifelong friends who change their perceptions and expectations. So, early experience matters and early family life plays an important role in child development outcomes.