In this course, you’ll explore how young children - typically ages 2 to 6 - grow, learn, and interact with the world around them. We’ll start by looking at the physical changes that happen during early childhood, and then dive into how children's thinking and problem-solving skills develop. You’ll learn about important theories that explain how children’s emotions and social skills grow, and how their personalities and self-concepts begin to take shape. We’ll also cover how children start to understand gender, where gender roles and behaviors come from, and how children relate to gender diversity. You’ll see how attachment with caregivers changes as children get older, and how different parenting styles and family structures can affect a child’s development. Finally, we’ll talk about the importance of friendships and peer relationships during these early years. By the end of this course, you’ll have a better understanding of the many factors that shape a child’s growth during early childhood, both at home and with friends.