This episode explores how emotional maturity develops in stages — and why a child’s behaviour in the consultation room makes perfect sense once we understand the emotional “logic” of their developmental phase. We walk through the emotional worlds of neonates, toddlers, preschoolers, school‑aged children, adolescents, and adults, and show how these stages shape communication, cooperation, and coping in healthcare.

We cover:

• Why neonates are “narcissists” by design — and why total dependence is normal

• How toddlers live at the centre of their universe and express frustration through tantrums

• How preschoolers discover friendship, belonging, and the first social boundaries

• Why school‑aged children become competitors in a world of comparison and ranking

• How adolescents ...