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Infant/Child Development and the Importance of Children's Feelings

Child Development
An Exploration of Feelings in Infant and Child Development

Paul C Holinger M.D. on July 29, 2013

How does one make sense of the history of the exploration of feelings -- the ancient as well as more recent philosophers, the development of psychiatry, the expression of emotions throughout literature and art? In many ways, the questions were similar to the ones we ask today: What are feelings? How are they triggered? How are feelings related to bodily sensations?

How does one make sense of the history of the exploration of feelings -- the ancient as well as more recent philosophers, the development of psychiatry, the expression of emotions throughout literature and art? In many ways, the questions were similar to the ones we ask today: What are feelings? How are they triggered? How are feelings related to bodily sensations?

Environment
Nature's Gift

Paul C Holinger M.D. on July 15, 2013

Thanks to recent research, we now understand feelings—the answers are right in front of us. We know what the basic inborn feelings are, how they develop over the human life span, and, most importantly, how feelings work.

Thanks to recent research, we now understand feelings—the answers are right in front of us. We know what the basic inborn feelings are, how they develop over the human life span, and, most importantly, how feelings work.

Relationships
Exploring Feelings

Paul C Holinger M.D. on May 23, 2013

It is the story of how feelings motivate behavior, and how we still have not genuinely grasped that. It is about our struggle to understand the working of feelings in our close relationships and in general human interactions.

It is the story of how feelings motivate behavior, and how we still have not genuinely grasped that. It is about our struggle to understand the working of feelings in our close relationships and in general human interactions.

Child Development
The Revolution in Infant and Child Development

Paul C Holinger M.D. on March 19, 2013

There is a revolution occurring in infant and child development. This is having a profound impact on our understanding of the motives and behavior of human beings.

There are three areas which are fueling this revolution: feelings, intelligence, and language. We will discuss the remarkable potential created when one looks at these three elements together.

There is a revolution occurring in infant and child development. This is having a profound impact on our understanding of the motives and behavior of human beings.

There are three areas which are fueling this revolution: feelings, intelligence, and language. We will discuss the remarkable potential created when one looks at these three elements together.

Anger
The Power of Translation

Paul C Holinger M.D. on February 26, 2013

The Power of Translation: Before an infant can talk, translation comes into play as a parent tries to decipher the meanings—or feelings—behind an infant’s use of facial expressions and vocalizations. These feelings are expressed through facial expressions, bodily gestures, and vocalizations.

The Power of Translation: Before an infant can talk, translation comes into play as a parent tries to decipher the meanings—or feelings—behind an infant’s use of facial expressions and vocalizations. These feelings are expressed through facial expressions, bodily gestures, and vocalizations.

Cognition
Language

Paul C Holinger M.D. on January 29, 2013

The toddler years provide spectacular opportunities for enhancing intellectual and emotional development. Language is a large part of this, opening up an entire new world of growth during the early years. And to hear a toddler begin to talk is an astonishing and poignant moment.

The toddler years provide spectacular opportunities for enhancing intellectual and emotional development. Language is a large part of this, opening up an entire new world of growth during the early years. And to hear a toddler begin to talk is an astonishing and poignant moment.

Cognition
Language

Paul C Holinger M.D. on December 31, 2012

Language
In our last several Newsletters, we have discussed the transition from infant to toddler. This change from infant to toddler occurs approximately from 1-3 years of age. This month we will start a three-part discussion of the third aspect of toddlerhood: language.

Language
In our last several Newsletters, we have discussed the transition from infant to toddler. This change from infant to toddler occurs approximately from 1-3 years of age. This month we will start a three-part discussion of the third aspect of toddlerhood: language.

Intelligence
The Joyful Toddler

Paul C Holinger M.D. on September 18, 2012

There is magic in the toddler phase! Here's why the "terrible two's" are terrific, not terrible!

There is magic in the toddler phase! Here's why the "terrible two's" are terrific, not terrible!

Intelligence
The Origins of Emotional Intelligence: The Embryology of Emotions and The Roots of Human Motivation

Paul C Holinger M.D. on August 2, 2012

Daniel Goleman, in his wonderful book Emotional Intelligence, highlights the importance of understanding our emotional life. He says the purpose of his voyage is “to bring intelligence to emotions” (p. xii). This is right on target!

Daniel Goleman, in his wonderful book Emotional Intelligence, highlights the importance of understanding our emotional life. He says the purpose of his voyage is “to bring intelligence to emotions” (p. xii). This is right on target!

Anger
The Power of Translation

Paul C Holinger M.D. on March 28, 2012

In the last several posts, we have been focusing on the transition from infancy to toddlerhood. In particular, we have highlighted the onset of language, and the importance of translating the child's early words back to the feelings these words express.

In the last several posts, we have been focusing on the transition from infancy to toddlerhood. In particular, we have highlighted the onset of language, and the importance of translating the child's early words back to the feelings these words express.

Fear
Before Children Talk ... They Understand a Lot!

Paul C Holinger M.D. on January 31, 2012

When we talk about the importance of language, we almost automatically think in terms of when the child begins to speak. But long before your child speaks, she is listening—and understanding far more than we used to think.

When we talk about the importance of language, we almost automatically think in terms of when the child begins to speak. But long before your child speaks, she is listening—and understanding far more than we used to think.

Adoption
Adoption: An Essay

Paul C Holinger M.D. on October 27, 2011

What is it like to suddenly be contacted by the birth parents you've never met?

What is it like to suddenly be contacted by the birth parents you've never met?

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