6.1 Discuss the stages of moral development of young children and the type of support adults should
provide to them during each stage in view of Prakash, focusing on ages 0-one year; one to three
years and four to five years
According to psychologist Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development, young children go through three main stages of moral development: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Each stage is characterized by different ways of thinking about right and wrong.
1. Ages 0-1 year: During the pre-conventional stage, children are focused on their own needs and desires. They are not yet able to understand or consider the perspectives of others. At this stage, adults should provide a safe, loving, and secure environment for the child to develop trust and attachment. Adults should also model positive behaviors and provide consistent caregiving to help the child form a sense of security and trust in the world.
2. Ages 1-3 years: In the conventional stage, children begin to understand the concepts of right and wrong based on external rules and authority figures. They may imitate the behaviors of adults and caregivers, but do not yet fully understand the reasons behind moral decisions. During this stage, adults should provide clear and consistent rules and boundaries for the child to follow. Adults should also provide guidance and explanations for why certain behaviors are considered right or wrong. Positive reinforcement and praise for good behavior can also help reinforce moral development in young children.
3. Ages 4-5 years: In the post-conventional stage, children begin to develop a more internalized sense of morality and can understand the perspectives of others. They may begin to question rules and authority figures and develop their own moral reasoning. Adults should encourage children to think critically about moral dilemmas and consider the consequences of their actions. Adults can also promote empathy and perspective-taking by encouraging children to consider how their actions affect others. Providing opportunities for children to practice empathy and kindness, such as through volunteering or helping others, can also support moral development during this stage.
Overall, adults should provide consistent guidance, positive reinforcement, and opportunities for children to practice moral reasoning and empathy at each stage of moral development. By supporting young children in their moral development, adults can help them grow into caring, ethical, and responsible individuals.