cyp core 3.1 2.2

2.2
External factors can affect the child from birth onwards. These external factors are constantly experienced by children and young people. Living in poverty has a big impact on the development of children. The families will find these times very stressful and this can affect the mental health as well as the physical. Children who live in poverty often do not have the life experiences of others and may have a lack of opportunity to play and join in with their friends. This will affect their social and emotional development as well as their physical. It will affect their self-esteem and confidence and prevent them from fulfilling their full potential. The child’s family life and background will have an impact on development. If the parent or carer has issues themselves this may affect their parenting. The parent could have an alcohol or drug addiction and may not be able to care for their child properly and see that they do well at school they may be unclean and lack confidence and social skills. If a child is subjected to abuse this will severely affect their development maybe physically if they have been injured as a result of abuse or their social and emotional development maybe affected as they will lack confidence and self- esteem. As a child gets older they will begin to make their own choices in life and decisions that will affect their development. This could be as simple as saying no to alcohol, smoking or drugs, or at worst saying yes to these where they could become addicted which will affect their learning and damages brain cells and affects its development. It can also lead to mental health issues such as depression and a feeling of worthlessness. They can also make choices which have a positive effects on their development for example making sure they apply themselves to their school work and trying to achieve their full potential. Children who are well cared for and have a lot of support will develop well. There are children who may be passed from