The main crises of childhood: what every child goes through 

Childhood is not only a time of carefree games and discoveries, but also a period of serious psychological crises. A child is actively developing, facing new challenges and learning to interact with the world. Let’s consider the key crises that every person goes through in childhood. 

 1. Newborn crisis (0-2 months)

The first major transition is from the womb to independent life. The child is adapting to new conditions: learning to breathe, eat, react to light and sound. During this period are especially important: 

– body contact with the mother; 

– proper feeding and sleeping routines; 

– a calm and safe environment. 

 2. Crisis of 1 year

At this age the child begins to walk, pronounce the first words and realise itself separately from the mother. The main manifestations of the crisis: 

– stubbornness and protest (“no!”, refusal of habitual actions); 

– increased emotionality (tantrums due to inability to express desires); 

– striving for independence (trying to eat by himself, to dress himself). 

How to help? Give safe freedom, encourage independence, but gently set boundaries. 

3. The crisis of 3 years (“I am myself!”)

One of the most striking crises, when the child realises himself as a person. Characteristic signs: 

– negativism (refuses to fulfil requests, even if he wants to do it himself); 

– stubbornness (insists on his own, even if already changed his mind); 

– stubbornness (protests against any rules); 

– willfulness (“I decide!”). 

What to do? Keep calm, offer a choice (“Will you wear the red or blue hat?”), avoid rigid prohibitions. 

 4. Crisis of 7 years (transition to school age)

The child faces a new social role – pupil. The main changes: 

– loss of childlike directness (begins to analyse his/her actions); 

– the emergence of self-esteem (worries about the assessments and opinions of others); 

– fatigue from new demands (may be capricious, refuse to go to school). 

How to support? Help to adapt to school, do not pressure on performance, pay attention to emotional state. 

 5. Adolescent crisis (12-16 years)

The most difficult stage – the transition to adulthood. Manifestations: 

– rebellion against rules and authorities; 

– sudden mood swings; 

– search for self (change of interests, experiments with appearance); 

– need for recognition by peers. 

What is important? Respect the adolescent’s personal boundaries, do not devalue their experiences, and maintain a trusting rapport. 

Conclusion

Childhood crises are natural stages of development. They help the child to become independent, form character and learn to interact with the world. The task of parents is not to suppress these processes, but to gently guide and support.  Has your child already gone through any of these crises? How did you cope with it? Share in the comments!