This encourages them to explore and experience the world.

Various environments. According to Urie Bronfenbrenner, a renowned psychologist who conceptualized the Ecological Systems Theory, each child develops within a complex system of relationships and environments, from his immediate setting to a bigger society defined by cultural values, customs, and laws.

The immediate family. The child’s immediate environment is called the microsystem. This is the family setting which involves all interactions between family members – regular meals, family conversations, celebrations, and playtime. The microsystem also includes the husband–wife interaction. If the child sees a loving relationship between his parents, this becomes a positive example for him.

The wider world. The next layer is called the mesosystem. These are the connections among microsystems that foster the child’s development such as the home, school, neighborhood, and extra-curricular activities. In this environment, the child is present and interacts with a wider range of personalities like the teacher, school janitor, neighbor, or basketball coach.

The adult world. Next is the exosystem, social settings where the child is not present but which nevertheless affect the experiences in his immediate setting. The parents’ workplace is an example of an exosystem. Here, other parents share their experiences about childrearing that somehow affect the child.

The larger society. The macrosystem comprises the larger environment, which includes values, laws, and culture, for example, Filipino culture values close family ties, respect for elders, and fear of God – all of which are imbibed by the child. Values imparted by TV shows and advertising are also part of the macrosystem.

When changes happen. Outside of this structure is the chronosystem, which are changes in the child’s environment. These changes may happen internally or externally, creating unique experiences. Such changes include the birth of a new baby in the family, the job promotion of a parent, an increase in the price of gas, or civil war.

Expose, explore, experience. Given the child’s many environments, parents have the ability to intervene, at any level, to help enhance their child’s total development. In doing so, always keep in mind the three E’s of learning: expose, explore, and experience. Give him all the chances to succeed. Let him grow. Let him go.

(Dr. Lilian Leynes-Juadiong is a Professor at the Department of Family Life and Child Development, College of Home Economics, U.P. Diliman. A member of the Sikolohiyang Pambata ng Pilipinas, she is also a published author and sought-after speaker at various family life and child development conferences and workshops.)