Section 3.2 Postnatal development

2.4. Socio-emotional and moral development in early childhood

During early childhood, children begin to develop a clearer sense of self, known as self-concept. This includes awareness of themselves as individuals, the development of self-esteem, and understanding their gender identity whether they are a boy or a girl. Around the age of 3, many children experience a personality or opposition crisis, during which they assert independence by frequently saying “no.” This behavior is not a sign of defiance, but rather a developmental step in learning autonomy, supported by their growing physical and language abilities.

Children at this stage also express emotions openly. Joy and excitement are shown through laughter, jumping, or clapping, while more complex emotions like shame, embarrassment, and guilt which begin to emerge around 18 months continue to mature. At the same time, children start developing empathy, or the ability to understand and respond to the emotions of others, although this skill is still in its early stages.

In terms of moral development, young children have a very basic understanding of right and wrong, often relying on what adults tell them. Around the age of 5, they enter the stage of heteronomous morality, where they believe rules are fixed by adults and must be followed exactly. They also tend to believe in imminent justice, the idea that breaking rules always leads to punishment. At this stage, they assume that everyone shares the same understanding of rules and morality as they do.