Physical development and health in early childhood (Insert name) (Institutional affiliation) Physical development and health in early childhood Introduction Studies have shown that experiences in the early years of life are significant in the child physical and health development and also learning. The way in which a child develops at this stage influences future social, emotional, cognitive and physical development which affects school performance and success in later life. Early childhood is the age between the time a child is born up to 6 years of age and this is the time that there is evidence of tremendous development. During this stage, a child passes through 2 stages i.e. infancy and toddlerhood and they are the ones that make up early childhood (Young, 2003). To ensure that there is development in a child and that he/she is attaining optimal health, it is obligatory to know what normal child development is and what influences and affects child development. When parents understand this, they are then able to know if the child might be in need of any physical assistance or any treatment to ensure healthy development. However, in this stage, parents should be very keen in observing the development in their children to ensure that the child grows in the right way because, if a problem is not detected in early childhood, it will be carried on up to later years in the life of the child. Petrie & ...