Growth and Development

Front

What does growth refer to in the context of child development?

Back

Growth refers to an increase in physical size of the whole body or any of its parts, and is a quantitative change that can be measured.

Front

How is development defined in child development?

Back

Development refers to a progressive increase in skill and capacity of function, representing a qualitative change in the child’s functioning.

Front

What is maturation in the context of child development?

Back

Maturation is the increase in a child’s competence and adaptability, describing the qualitative change in a structure, dependent on heredity.

Front

Why is understanding growth and development important?

Back

It helps in knowing what to expect from a child at any age, understanding illnesses, formulating care plans, and educating parents for optimal growth.

Front

What are the principles of growth and development?

Back

1. Continuous process 2. Predictable sequence 3. Varying rates of progress 4. Unique growth patterns for each child 5. Stages affected by preceding development.

Front

What are the directions in which growth and development proceed?

Back

1. Cephalo-caudal (head down to toes) 2. Proximodistal (center of the body to the peripheral) 3. General to specific.

Front

What are the four critical areas of adjustment for newborns?

Back

1. Respiration 2. Digestion 3. Circulation 4. Temperature regulation.

Front

What reflexes are infants born with that help them survive?

Back

Infants are born with reflexes such as sucking, rooting, Moro (startle), grasping, and Babinski.

Front

What is puberty?

Back

Puberty is the physical changes that occur in the body as sexual development reaches its peak, typically lasting about four years.

Front

What is adolescence?

Back

Adolescence is the period of life from about age 13 to the early twenties, where a young person transitions from childhood to adulthood.