Early Childhood Mental Health Glossary30

Attachment: The emotional bond that develops between a child and their primary caregivers, typically their parents. It is characterized by feelings of safety, security, and comfort. Attachment is essential for a child's emotional and social development.

Anxiety: A feeling of nervousness or worry that can range from mild to severe. Anxiety is normal in young children, but it can become a problem if it interferes with their daily life.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects a child's communication, social interaction, and behavior. ASD is a spectrum disorder, meaning that it can range from mild to severe.

Behavior problems: Behaviors that are disruptive or harmful. Behavior problems can include aggression, tantrums, and disobedience. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, and mental health conditions.

Cognitive development: The development of a child's thinking skills, including their ability to learn, remember, and solve problems. Cognitive development is important for a child's academic and social success.

Depression: A mood disorder that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and worthlessness. Depression can affect children as young as preschool age.

Emotional development: The development of a child's ability to understand, express, and regulate their emotions. Emotional development is important for a child's social success and overall well-being.

Executive function: A set of mental skills that help a child plan, organize, and control their behavior. Executive function is important for a child's academic and social success.

Language development: The development of a child's ability to understand and use language. Language development is important for a child's communication and literacy skills.

Mental health: The state of a child's emotional, behavioral, and social well-being. Mental health is important for a child's overall development and success.

Motor development: The development of a child's physical skills, including their ability to move, balance, and coordinate. Motor development is important for a child's physical health and well-being.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD): A behavior disorder that is characterized by a pattern of defiant, disobedient, and argumentative behavior. ODD can make it difficult for a child to succeed in school and in relationships.

Physical development: The development of a child's physical body, including their height, weight, and body composition. Physical development is important for a child's overall health and well-being.

Play: An important part of a child's development that allows them to learn, explore, and socialize. Play can be physical, social, imaginative, or creative.

Self-esteem: A child's perception of their own worth and value. Self-esteem is important for a child's emotional well-being and social success.

Social development: The development of a child's ability to interact with others. Social development is important for a child's friendships, relationships, and overall well-being.

Temperament: A child's innate personality and behavior style. Temperament can be easygoing, difficult, or somewhere in between.

2025-01-18

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