What many parents and quite a few preschool teachers do not appreciate is the way that a childs psychological growth pattern changes as he or she enter the toddler or preschool age. The fact that physical growth will naturally being to slow is well known. But the changes that occur in the cognitive, intellectual, emotional linguistic and social development of the child are often either underappreciated of overlooked. These changes. Which happen rapidly and often with little obvious external indications, need to be given the proper support so that the childs intelligence, emotional wellbeing, self-control and ability to interact with peers and adults is strengthened. In most cases this happens naturally, but an appreciation of three important influences on the childs psychological development will help to prevent any unintentional lapses that could hurt the child.

Adult Interaction
The American Academy of Pediatrics says that direct interaction with adults has a major impact on a childs mental development. This is particularly so in the case of parents and teachers. The ease with which the child is able to communicate with adults affects the attachments they form with the people and the amount of influence that these adults have on the childs psychological development. Since the child is unable to modify his or her behavior or attitudes, it is the responsibility of adults who are part of the childs circle to take positive steps to build connections with the child. Parents are able to establish this almost automatically because of the natural bonds that exist. But the preschool teachers must make the extra effort to become part of the childs psychological development process.

Imagination
Everyone knows that children have very active imaginations. But the fat that imaginary play and friends has behavioral patterns that are imposed on him or her. a major impact on a childs psychological development is often not understood. Psychologists says that pretend play is a major contributor to a to the development of emotional self-control and empathy in a child. In addition to this the exercise of the imagination encourages creative thinking, problem solving and basic language development in the child. It is important for parents and teachers to understands that the pretend play a toddler indulges in is not just an act of playing but a major influence on the psychological development. The imaginative flights of a child should not simply be ignored. They should be discussed with the child on his or her terms. The need to play must be understood and encouraged so that the imagination , and the creative abilities of the child can expand to their fullest. This development of imaginative abilities will slow down as the child ages and begins to conform to social pressure and behavioral patterns that are imposed on him or her.

Play
Playing is not just a way for a child to burn up extra energy. It is an essential tool in the psychological development. Playing demands communications and interaction with other which have a huge impact on the development of the child, both psychologically as well as cognitively an emotionally. The act of playing allows a child to instinctively realize what is required on his or her part in order to interact with others. It also encourages the development of language and communications skills since these are major components of play. Since play places a child in a variety of situations, the ability to adjust and cope with changing circumstances is also developed. Studies have shown that playing stimulates the development of connections between nerve cells to create new learning pathways in the brain and support cognitive and intellectual growth.