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Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

The different periods of development and the behaviours associated with each are
outlined below:

Infancy – from birth to 4 years

From birth to 12 months – babies develop rapidly at this stage as they become
aware of physical sensations and begin to recognise people and voices, making
simple associations with voices or routines. They may smile when spoken to
and cry to express a need.

At around 18 months old – children at this age will often do the opposite of what
they are instructed and tend to be impatient. They have plenty of energy and are likely
to throw a tantrum if frustrated.

2 to 3 year olds – children at this age will become more coordinated and have better
language skills for communication. At this stage, children can be quite demanding
and bossy as well as openly defiant. Temper tantrums can be a significant feature of
this age group and routines become important, with the child wanting everything
to be carried out exactly in the same way each time.

In this age group, it is common for children to have something called separation
anxiety where they become tearful and clingy when separated from their parents.
This is a normal stage of behavioural development and will usually pass around
the age of three.

Young children – from 5 to 9 years old

Around 5 years old – at this stage, children learn more about expressing emotions,
and do so in many ways. There may be fewer temper tantrums and the child will have
more control over their behaviours. Anxieties about starting school are common, as
well as a tendency to tell lies and hide the truth about things.

Pre-adolescence – from 10 to 12 years old

This can be a difficult age for both the children and their parents or carers as the child
begins to develop a stronger will of their own and resents parental interference with
their wishes and desires. The influence of friends and peers becomes stronger and
there is a great deal more emphasis on ‘fitting in’ and having the approval of peers.
Common behaviours include answering back, becoming moody and snappy when
slightly provoked, refusing to obey instructions, telling lies and keeping secrets.
These behaviours can be very challenging within the family setting.

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