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Child and young person development encompasses a rich tapestry of interconnected aspects, each contributing to the nuanced progression of an individual. The five key facets include physical, social, communication, intellectual and cognitive, as well as emotional and behavioral, and moral development. While these aspects provide a framework for understanding the general sequence of development, it's crucial to acknowledge the inherent variability in the pace at which each child traverses these stages.
The physical dimension unfolds in a sequence, mirroring the progression from simple to complex, and from head to toe.
This developmental journey commences with the refinement of motor skills, with gross motor skills preceding fine motor skills. In the initial 0-3 years, the pace of physical growth is remarkable. Newborns exhibit reflexes that trigger muscle movements, including grasping objects, head turning, sucking, swallowing, and stepping motions when held upright over a flat surface.
Around the age of four months, the child begins rolling over, progressing to sitting up and engaging in hand play by six to seven months.
Crawling and attempts to stand and walk independently mark the 7-11 month phase. By ages one to two, walking becomes a significant milestone, leading to the manipulation of toys while walking, eventually evolving into running and jumping. By three, most children navigate their surroundings adeptly, displaying skills such as hopping, jumping, and climbing stairs, with some even mastering the art of riding a tricycle. Concurrently, fine motor skills, including drawing and self-feeding, reach significant milestones.
The 3-7 years phase witnesses children gaining increased independence, moving with confidence, and developing fine motor skills to hold crayons and solve simple puzzles.
The ability to write words and sentences emerges. At age seven, children embrace ballgames, showcasing prowess in hitting balls, jumping, running, skipping, and swinging. Tooth loss and the eruption of molars become common occurrences during this phase.
As children enter the 7-12 years stage, physical growth results in a taller and thinner physique. While muscular coordination may be somewhat clumsy, this period witnesses the completion of molar growth, and signs of puberty may begin to manifest, particularly in girls.
The 12-16 years period signifies a cascade of physical changes. For girls, this entails the onset of menstruation, breast development, and widened hips, accompanied by hair growth in specific areas. Boys, on the other hand, embark on the journey of physical maturity, characterized by penile enlargement, wet dreams, increased muscle mass, and the emergence of facial, chest, and underarm hair. By 16-19 years, most individuals attain full physical maturity, although some boys may continue their development into their twenties.
However, it is essential to recognize the diverse trajectories that some children and young people may follow, deviating from the conventional pattern of development. Factors such as wheelchair use, inability to walk unsupported, or growth delays can alter the expected course. While many will experience physical changes between 12-19 years, challenges in locomotion development or lagging fine motor skills might persist. Health professionals, including health visitors, general practitioners, and specialist nurses, play a pivotal role in assessing and supporting these unique developmental journeys. Some individuals may rely on wheelchairs and splints to enhance their mobility.
In conclusion, the sequence of child and young person development unfolds across multiple dimensions, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of an individual's growth. Physical development, spanning infancy to adolescence, involves a series of milestones, influenced by factors such as gross and fine motor skills, puberty, and individual variations. While the general sequence provides a valuable guide, it is imperative to recognize and support the diverse trajectories that may deviate from the norm. Health professionals, with their expertise, play a crucial role in understanding and aiding the unique developmental journeys of children and young people, ensuring that each individual's path is respected and nurtured.
Child Dev: Paths and Physical Milestones. (2016, Nov 29). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-sequence-and-rate-of-each-aspect-of-development-from-birth-19-years-essay
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