ABSTRACT
Early childhood is a period of time during which the child becomes more of an individual in the eyes of caretakers and begins to make contact with individuals outside of the family. Several attempts have been made within the developmental research to ascertain the most positive family style that produces the healthiest children. Parents may ask for guidance in parenting skills; young children will demonstrate special needs for mastery and independence on pediatric units; and a nursery school or day-care center may require health consultation. Consequently, the effects of maternal employment outside the home and how they relate to the issues of single-parent families is important when considering early childhood development. Factors relating to divorce that affect children of all ages have important influences on the young child. Cognitive abilities should be understood by the health professional who needs to determine how the child will conceptualize illness and death.
