Although they are intended mainly for parents of school-aged children, the information is general enough to be of equal benefit to parents of younger children. The first sheet deals with children's development and.needs, while the second focusses on the role of the parent and on ways of facilitating the parent-child relationship. Being a Child Today When a child is born, he is totally dependent on the care provided by those around him. It is in these conditions that his physical, affective and social development begins. When he reaches adulthood, he will assume responsibility for himself and for his continuing development.
Childhood is a relatively short period in life, and yet it is a time for much learning.
Every child begins life with a certain hereditary endowment. Indeed, an attentive parent will quickly identify a number of character traits. The child himself plays an important role in his development through the way he acts, interacts and reacts. He, in turn, influences those around him. Furthermore, because today's child is constantly exposed to new realities, he will grow up to be different from his parents.