[10/10/2020] Some people say that the experiences a child has before startling school

have the most influence on their future life. Others say that experiences as a teenager at
school is more influential.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.

BRAINSTORMING & ESSAY STRUCTURES

Thesis Statement: Since each period plays a distinct role in the comprehensive development
of a child, weighing the importance of each stage seems irrelevant to me.

Body 1: Pre-school stage Body 2: Adolescence

Early perceptions of the world and their
personal identity are shaped
[Explain] In the realm of the family
(parental love and care)
 good manners & mental stability ><
parental negligence
 distorted perceptions & anti-social
behaviors
[Example] born in abusive and violent
families
 [Meaning of example -> compare]
Develop aggressive behaviors & engage in
crime even with access to positive
environments later
Psychological and behavioral development
is affected
[Explain] negative experiences (bullying or
social pressure exerted by peers)
[Example] behavioral problems, self-
isolation, depression and other mental
issues
 [Meaning of example -> compare] leave
a permanent psychological mark
 undo positive growth from early
childhood  more susceptible to follow
bad examples

While growing up, children are exposed to diverse experiences, each of which exerts a
profound influence on their cognitive as well as physical development. Some attach greater
importance to those from early childhood while others emphasize the indispensable role
of adolescent experiences.

On the one hand, children's early perceptions of the world and their personal identity are
shaped during the pre-school stage via interactions in the realm of the family. During this
stage, since mental stability and good manners are directly correlated to parental love and
care, the absence of this could potentially result in distorted perceptions and anti-social
behavior remaining throughout a person's lifetime. For instance, those born to abusive and
violent families are more highly likely to display aggressive behavior and engage in crime
regardless of their access to school or other positive social environments later in life.

On the other hand, psychological and behavioral development are also affected by events
taking place during adolescence. While healthy relationships lead to greater self-esteem,
negative experiences during adolescence, whether with classmates or teachers, on the
contrary, also contribute greatly to behavioral problems later in life. Issues such as self-
isolation, depression and other mental issues are common among teenagers, which are
frequently linked to bullying or social pressure exerted by peers. Such experiences can leave
a permanent psychological mark on a person if not addressed, and may undo positive
growth from early childhood, leaving a teenager more susceptible to bad examples set by
classmates.

In conclusion, since each period plays a distinct role in the comprehensive development of
a child, weighing the importance of each stage seems irrelevant to me. Instead, gaining an
insight into the role each stage playing in the development of children is of utmost
importance to cater for their specific needs.