Developmental tasks and social integration

From an early age, developmental tasks are crucial milestones in progressing towards an integrated part of society. Toddler-hood, early and late adolescence all contain specific developmental tasks I consider particularly important.

Toddler-hood

Language development and self control are two things that seem to take a lifetime to master. Language should not always be considered in form such as English or Spanish, but as recognized symbols and characters develop as the experience of the individual grows. For toddlers, developing language is a system of trial and error but it is the learning cognition of associating objects with sound that is so critical to development.

Self control comes with a trial and error phase. With this in mind, learning what is not only beyond self control physically but also culturally helps mold boundaries of right and wrong as psychosocial development in a individual evolves.

Early Adolescence

Emotional development is a deciding factor in personality progression. To be undeveloped emotionally is looked down upon culturally. Early adolescence is a volatile time in any life, and exposure to a roller coaster of emotions is important to obtain perspective on future life dilemmas. This is also critical in social development: “With respect to their social life, young adults are also confronted with establishing new friendships outside of the marriage and assuming responsibility in the larger community” (novelguide.com). Emotional growth cannot blossom without experience and direction, making the task of emotional development just as critical as the influential figures around it, such as parents or parental figures.

Later Adolescence

· Autonomy from parents, ideally achieved in later adolescence, is absolutely mandatory for a number of reasons. According to Daniel Perkins of the University of Florida, “children derive strength from internalizing their parents' values and attitudes. Adolescents, however, must redefine their sources of personal strength and move toward self-reliance”. Self confidence and self reliance are two very important contributing factors and both are critical to building a successful life, and are a direct result of establishing autonomy from the house.