When Do Conflicts Begin? Developmental Psychology Basics Conflicts are an integral part of human life – but when do they actually start appearing in
Conflicts are an integral part of human life – but when do they actually start appearing in children? Even in early childhood, we can observe initial tensions and disputes with their environment. These are closely linked to the development of self-awareness and understanding of the world. Conflicts don’t arise in isolation; they are part of the maturation process where children learn to express their emotions, understand social rules, and cope with frustrations. In this article, we explore the key developmental stages and how they shape children’s conflict behavior.
In the first months of life, basic needs such as food, sleep, closeness, and security take center stage. While conscious conflicts do not yet occur, dissatisfaction can arise when these needs are not immediately met. Crying serves as the earliest “negotiation tool” to draw attention to their needs. This phase lays the foundation for future emotional expression and the development of trust. Babies begin to develop early forms of communication, such as facial expressions and sounds, which are crucial for their emotional growth.
Between the first and third years of life, children begin to perceive themselves as independent individuals. Key developments during this phase include:
As children grow, they deliberately test the boundaries of their environment. This process is crucial for their development, helping them understand social rules and consequences.
During the preschool years, children expand their social circle through interactions with peers in daycare or kindergarten. Conflicts become more frequent in situations where interests collide, such as sharing toys or negotiating rules. Key developments during this phase include:
Setting boundaries is essential not only to minimize conflicts but also to provide children with orientation. Clear, consistent rules help children feel secure while exploring their environment. Within a safe framework, children can also make decisions and take responsibility.
Not all children display the same conflict patterns at the same time. Various factors influence how and when conflicts arise:
A solid understanding of children’s developmental stages helps parents and educators better categorize conflicts and respond appropriately:
Conflicts arise early in a child’s life, often before they have fully developed language and social skills. They are a natural part of the maturation process, signaling that children are growing, learning, and finding their place in the world. Adults can view conflicts as opportunities to guide children toward independence. This understanding enables us to see conflicts not as problems but as valuable learning experiences. By accepting conflicts as part of the developmental process, we can use them to support children in their personal and social growth.
In the next article, we will focus on typical conflicts in daycare settings and explore how they can be better understood and resolved.
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