PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 4

Overview of Development

As women move into motherhood, there is an identity change that makes them understand what womanhood entails (Leese, 2016). It is a developmental milestone and one that marks a significant point in a woman’s life (Leese, 2016). Parenting is challenging at every phase of a woman’s life but, for the purpose of this research, is focused on the specific challenges of young mothers because of representation within society and policy (Leese, 2016). These challenges are not only confined to women but also to teenagers and new parents. It is thus essential to offer complete support to first-time and young parents, like medical doctors, family members, and experts, to enable them to cope with this new stage.

Physical development; psychological development; and cognitive development

Infant development relies largely on various factors like prematurity and low birth weight (Goossen et al., 2015). Teenage mothers tend to raise their children in single-parent households, and this may lead to behavior and mental disorders (Goossen et al., 2015). During the critical first three months of a newborn’s life, detailed monitoring and interaction play a crucial role in ensuring both physical and emotional attachment. Newborn infants at this age start developing the ability to recognize caregivers and exhibit early signs of cognitive and motor skills (Pandey, 2020). Adolescent parents will, however, have other issues by virtue of lifestyle and a lack of maturity (Goossen et al., 2015). There must be education about infant development as well as best practices to help turn around such issues.

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 4 Training Guide: Help your baby grow! 

The Impact of the Home Environment on Neonatal Development

The birth of a new infant shockingly changes the dynamics of a home, most notably sleep patterns. Infant sleep disturbance has long-range implications and perhaps requires intervention (Hall et al., 2015). Social isolation, financial difficulties, and hazardous environments further complicate these situations (Lakshmanan et al., 2017). Yet the alleviation of some of these stressors can be achieved through support programs and social services, ushering in the need for family and societal support.

Best Practices for New Parents

Parenthood, particularly among teenagers and new parents, must be expected and promoted. Antenatal visiting as a matter of routine practice, parent education, prioritization of education, and access to contraception are essential interventions (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). Child and parental beneficial outcomes come with robust parent-child relationships and paternal or partner care involvement (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021).

Conclusion

Although the experience of becoming parents can be overwhelming, it is still a fulfilling one. Through self-care, professional advice, and nurturing relationships, teens and new parents are better placed to manage parenting pressures. Positivity and motivation guarantee a promising future for parents and children.

PSY FPX 6010 Assessment 4 Training Guide: Help your baby grow! 

Goossens, G., Kadji, C., & Delvenne, V. (2015). Teenage pregnancy: A psychopathological risk for mothers and babies? http://library.capella.edu/login?qurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.proquest.com%2Fscholarly-journals%2F randomized-controlled-trial-intervention-infants

Hall, W. A., et al. (2015). The study conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate an intervention for addressing behavioral sleep problems in infants. BMC Pediatrics, 15. [Link]

Lakshmanan, A., et al. (2017). The article focuses on the impact of preterm birth.