Prenatal Child Development
Discuss the influences on the physical, socio-emotional and cognitive development of a child.
Consider the following in your response: Heredity, Culture, Nutrition and Parental Affection
“Children are resilient”, this is a term that we commonly hear in regards to the changes forced on children. But in reality how resilient are they? According to Darcia Narvaez, “not that much”, how often will a teacher see a child from a broken family, or a child who can’t concentrate in class, as they have not eaten breakfast that morning?
This document will discuss the influence of physical, socio-emotional and cognitive development of a child, with consideration to heredity, culture, nutrition and parental affection.
One of the most easily identifiable …show more content…
types of development in a child is that of their physical development. It is something that can be measured and seen. The first aspect of physical development that will be discussed in Heredity.
Heredity is essentially genetics. The genetic predisposition of a child is determined at conception. The DNA structure found in the male sperm and female ovum is combined at conception to create a foetus. The foetus or child has a combination of both parents genetic structure (McDevitt, Oromond). The combination of the parents DNA (or chromosomes, found within the DNA structure), determine the genetic traits that a child will have (Powell,K) . In most cases a dominant gene will develop over a recessive gene (McDevitt, Oromond). The physical development of a child is effected by heredity/ genetics when there are abnormalities in the chromosomes, within the DNA, of the child (McDaniel). The parents’ genetic structure can carry alleles, which have a pre-determined illness or mutated gene (Powell,K). Therefore the physical development of a child can be effected by the genetic structure of the parents, which can cause problems such as: mental retardation including muscular dystrophy, or illnesses such as sickle cell anaemia (McDevitt, Oromond).
Culture encompasses the behaviours and beliefs of society and includes the families and community within that culture (McDevitt, Ormrod). The effects of a child’s culture on their physical development will depend on the culture the child is raised in. The physical development of a child occurs in stages, their ability to reach each stage, or a specific level of development will depend on the cultural values on the society in which the child lives in (US Department of Health and Human Services). If the culture the child lives in values academia or athletic ability the child will often develop highly in these areas. (McClosky)
Whilst the individual child’s culture is important it is important to also review the Nutritional aspects of physical development.
Nutrition is one of the most important factors in the physical development of a child. Nutrition for a child begins at conception (Dubois). The care a mother takes whilst carrying a child will determine whether that child will receive appropriate nutritional support throughout the pregnancy (Dubois). If for example the mother is a drug addict or an alcoholic it will have severe ramifications on the child, with possible side effects including mental and physical impairment. Once the child is born nutrition is still an important factor in a child’s physical development (McDevitt, Ormrod). Appropriate nutrition a child receives will provide optimal physical development and may prevent problems such as obesity and the onset of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes (Berk).
Cuddles and kisses and emotional support are the types of people think about when they think about parental affection. The use of an authoritative parenting style is a method that supports the above statement (McDevitt, Ormrod). This type of parenting stimulates the physical growth and development in a child. It released hormones that in conjunction with appropriate nutrition provide optimal physical development (Berk). A child that does not receive suitable parental affection will in extremely severe cases suffer delays in physical development (Quick, M).
Now that the physical aspect of a child’s development has been discussed, the internal factors will now be discussed beginning with the socio-emotional development of a child.
Heredity has minimal impact on the socio-emotional development of a child. The old adage of nurture vs. nature is often discussed with relation to this area of development. The only aspect of heredity or genetics that may affect the development of a child’s socio emotional aspects is the possibility of an abnormal chromosome (McDevitt, Ormrod) that may causes mental issues, that would affect aspects of the child’s socio-emotional health, such issues as terets syndrome, bipolar disease or other mental afflictions (McClosky).
Culture is a very important factor in the development of a healthy socio-emotional child. Culture incorporates the parents or caregivers expectations, attitudes and social skills during early childhood, and in later years the expectations and attitudes of their peers
(McClosky). The type of culture a child resides in will also impact on their socio-emotional development (McDevitt, Ormrod), if, for example, a child is living in a low socio-economic area, with a high level of violence and drug abuse. They will be exposed to this and therefore in extreme cases there is a higher risk that the child may end up in a violent relationship, or as a drug abuser.
Nutrition is a factor in the development of a healthy socio-emotional child. Children who lead a healthy lifestyle, incorporating physical activity in their lifestyle will have a higher self image, improved self confidence (Bradley, Corwyn). The physical activity that a child does, will release endorphins improving their emotional state and self confidence. A child that leads a sedentary lifestyle will poor nutrition will lack in self confidence, they will lack the same energy levels of those children that lead a healthier lifestyle (Bradley, Corwyn).
Parental affection is also another important factor in socio-emotional status of a child. As previously discussed parents that use an authoritative parenting style as opposed to an authoritarian parenting style, generally show more affection to their child (McDevitt, Ormrod). How a parent treats a child is often how the child will treat others. Children that are in an environment where they are exposed to or receive domestic violence or abuse will suffer in their socio emotional development (McClosky).
The final aspect of child development discussed in this document is that of the cognitive development of a child.Cognitive development is the process in which children develop through different stages (McDevitt, Ormrod). Piaget identified four stages of development, which included: sensori-motor (0-2 yrs), pre-operational (2-6 yrs), concrete operational (7-11yrs) and formal operational (12 yrs and up). Piaget believed that a child must pass through each stage of development before continuing onto the next stage (McDevitt, Ormrod). As previously outlined this document is a discussion on the effects of heredity, culture, nutrition and parental affection on different aspects of child development. In this case it is their effect on cognitive development.
As previously discussed heredity is essentially genetics. Genetics effects the cognitive development of a child when there are genetic traits that may impede brain development which directly relates to their mental function. An example of this is Down syndrome, which relates to Chromosome 21. Fragile syndrome X (FSX) is another example of a genetic disorder that caused mental retardation. If a child does not have any genetic issues, their cognitive development should progress as normal.
The culture a child lives in does affect their cognitive development. Research has shown that a child that resides in an environment that is of a low socio economic status, with parents that have a poor education, the child will also have a lower level of education. Although there is research to prove the above statement, it is important to remember that children can adapt and change when given the opportunity.
As discussed previously the prenatal care a mother provides a child with is important in their development, this still applies with regards to the cognitive development of a child. Research has shown that children who are affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) will suffer from neurological damage, resulting in impaired cognitive development (Coles, Brown, Smith, Platzman, Erickson,
Falek). It is also important to consider the nutrition a child receives once born. Simply things, such as ensuring they have a nutritious breakfast in the morning, will allow them to perform better at school. Which indicates that appropriate nutrition essential component for brain and cognitive development (McDevitt,Ormrod)
The old adage ‘a child should be seen and not heard’, reflects parenting styles of the past (McDevitt, Ormrod). In recent times it has been found that parents who more affectionate, will have children with a higher level of verbal communication and cognitive development (Aspire Learning). Which provides evidence, that for children, interaction with parents/ caregivers essential in for cognitive development.
As initially stated “children are resilient”, this was followed by asking the question of how resilient children actually are. It is important to reflect upon the fact that whilst children can adapt and change, there will be certain events that may impact on their physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development. As future teachers it is important to be aware of the issues that may arise, and understand an appropriate way in dealing with these issues, as to provide the best education for our students.
Reference List
Nature vs Nuture Are we really born that way
Kimberly Powell www.genealogy.about.com/cs/geneticgenealogy/a/nature_nuture.htm Hereditary Factors that Affect Physical Development
Robin McDaniel
Infants and Children, Prenatal through Middle Childhood, 6/e
Laura E Berk
Illinois State University www.ablongman.com Child Welfare Information Gateway
Nurturing and Attachment
US Department of Health and Human Services www.childwelfare.gov/com/factors/nurture_atteu.cfm The impact on Social and Cultural Factors on Theories of Child Development
Jess McCloskey www.mcbridie.net The Impact of Prenatal and Early Postnatal Nutrition on Child www.child-encyclopedia.com/documents/DuboisANGxp.pdf L Dubois
University of Ottawa
A lack of affection in childhood development
Mary Quick http://www.livestrong.com/article/525439-a-lack-of-affection-in-childhood-development/ Socioeconomic Status and Child Development
Robert H Bradley; Robert F Corwyn http://www.viriya.net/jabref/resilience/socioeconomic_status_and_child_development.pdf Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure at school age.
Physical and cognitive development
Claire D. Coles, Ronald T. Brown, Iris E. Smith, Kathleen A. Platzman, Stephen Erickson,
Arthur Falek
Human and Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Mental Health Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/089203629190084A Foster cognitive development in early childhood CHCFC505A
Version 1.1
http://aspirelearningresources.com.au/assets/document/1282680773-chfc505.pdf
Consider the following in your response: Heredity, Culture, Nutrition and Parental Affection
“Children are resilient”, this is a term that we commonly hear in regards to the changes forced on children. But in reality how resilient are they? According to Darcia Narvaez, “not that much”, how often will a teacher see a child from a broken family, or a child who can’t concentrate in class, as they have not eaten breakfast that morning?
This document will discuss the influence of physical, socio-emotional and cognitive development of a child, with consideration to heredity, culture, nutrition and parental affection.
One of the most easily identifiable …show more content…
types of development in a child is that of their physical development. It is something that can be measured and seen. The first aspect of physical development that will be discussed in Heredity.
Heredity is essentially genetics. The genetic predisposition of a child is determined at conception. The DNA structure found in the male sperm and female ovum is combined at conception to create a foetus. The foetus or child has a combination of both parents genetic structure (McDevitt, Oromond). The combination of the parents DNA (or chromosomes, found within the DNA structure), determine the genetic traits that a child will have (Powell,K) . In most cases a dominant gene will develop over a recessive gene (McDevitt, Oromond). The physical development of a child is effected by heredity/ genetics when there are abnormalities in the chromosomes, within the DNA, of the child (McDaniel). The parents’ genetic structure can carry alleles, which have a pre-determined illness or mutated gene (Powell,K). Therefore the physical development of a child can be effected by the genetic structure of the parents, which can cause problems such as: mental retardation including muscular dystrophy, or illnesses such as sickle cell anaemia (McDevitt, Oromond).
Culture encompasses the behaviours and beliefs of society and includes the families and community within that culture (McDevitt, Ormrod). The effects of a child’s culture on their physical development will depend on the culture the child is raised in. The physical development of a child occurs in stages, their ability to reach each stage, or a specific level of development will depend on the cultural values on the society in which the child lives in (US Department of Health and Human Services). If the culture the child lives in values academia or athletic ability the child will often develop highly in these areas. (McClosky)
Whilst the individual child’s culture is important it is important to also review the Nutritional aspects of physical development.
Nutrition is one of the most important factors in the physical development of a child. Nutrition for a child begins at conception (Dubois). The care a mother takes whilst carrying a child will determine whether that child will receive appropriate nutritional support throughout the pregnancy (Dubois). If for example the mother is a drug addict or an alcoholic it will have severe ramifications on the child, with possible side effects including mental and physical impairment. Once the child is born nutrition is still an important factor in a child’s physical development (McDevitt, Ormrod). Appropriate nutrition a child receives will provide optimal physical development and may prevent problems such as obesity and the onset of illnesses such as type 2 diabetes (Berk).
Cuddles and kisses and emotional support are the types of people think about when they think about parental affection. The use of an authoritative parenting style is a method that supports the above statement (McDevitt, Ormrod). This type of parenting stimulates the physical growth and development in a child. It released hormones that in conjunction with appropriate nutrition provide optimal physical development (Berk). A child that does not receive suitable parental affection will in extremely severe cases suffer delays in physical development (Quick, M).
Now that the physical aspect of a child’s development has been discussed, the internal factors will now be discussed beginning with the socio-emotional development of a child.
Heredity has minimal impact on the socio-emotional development of a child. The old adage of nurture vs. nature is often discussed with relation to this area of development. The only aspect of heredity or genetics that may affect the development of a child’s socio emotional aspects is the possibility of an abnormal chromosome (McDevitt, Ormrod) that may causes mental issues, that would affect aspects of the child’s socio-emotional health, such issues as terets syndrome, bipolar disease or other mental afflictions (McClosky).
Culture is a very important factor in the development of a healthy socio-emotional child. Culture incorporates the parents or caregivers expectations, attitudes and social skills during early childhood, and in later years the expectations and attitudes of their peers
(McClosky). The type of culture a child resides in will also impact on their socio-emotional development (McDevitt, Ormrod), if, for example, a child is living in a low socio-economic area, with a high level of violence and drug abuse. They will be exposed to this and therefore in extreme cases there is a higher risk that the child may end up in a violent relationship, or as a drug abuser.
Nutrition is a factor in the development of a healthy socio-emotional child. Children who lead a healthy lifestyle, incorporating physical activity in their lifestyle will have a higher self image, improved self confidence (Bradley, Corwyn). The physical activity that a child does, will release endorphins improving their emotional state and self confidence. A child that leads a sedentary lifestyle will poor nutrition will lack in self confidence, they will lack the same energy levels of those children that lead a healthier lifestyle (Bradley, Corwyn).
Parental affection is also another important factor in socio-emotional status of a child. As previously discussed parents that use an authoritative parenting style as opposed to an authoritarian parenting style, generally show more affection to their child (McDevitt, Ormrod). How a parent treats a child is often how the child will treat others. Children that are in an environment where they are exposed to or receive domestic violence or abuse will suffer in their socio emotional development (McClosky).
The final aspect of child development discussed in this document is that of the cognitive development of a child.Cognitive development is the process in which children develop through different stages (McDevitt, Ormrod). Piaget identified four stages of development, which included: sensori-motor (0-2 yrs), pre-operational (2-6 yrs), concrete operational (7-11yrs) and formal operational (12 yrs and up). Piaget believed that a child must pass through each stage of development before continuing onto the next stage (McDevitt, Ormrod). As previously outlined this document is a discussion on the effects of heredity, culture, nutrition and parental affection on different aspects of child development. In this case it is their effect on cognitive development.
As previously discussed heredity is essentially genetics. Genetics effects the cognitive development of a child when there are genetic traits that may impede brain development which directly relates to their mental function. An example of this is Down syndrome, which relates to Chromosome 21. Fragile syndrome X (FSX) is another example of a genetic disorder that caused mental retardation. If a child does not have any genetic issues, their cognitive development should progress as normal.
The culture a child lives in does affect their cognitive development. Research has shown that a child that resides in an environment that is of a low socio economic status, with parents that have a poor education, the child will also have a lower level of education. Although there is research to prove the above statement, it is important to remember that children can adapt and change when given the opportunity.
As discussed previously the prenatal care a mother provides a child with is important in their development, this still applies with regards to the cognitive development of a child. Research has shown that children who are affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) will suffer from neurological damage, resulting in impaired cognitive development (Coles, Brown, Smith, Platzman, Erickson,
Falek). It is also important to consider the nutrition a child receives once born. Simply things, such as ensuring they have a nutritious breakfast in the morning, will allow them to perform better at school. Which indicates that appropriate nutrition essential component for brain and cognitive development (McDevitt,Ormrod)
The old adage ‘a child should be seen and not heard’, reflects parenting styles of the past (McDevitt, Ormrod). In recent times it has been found that parents who more affectionate, will have children with a higher level of verbal communication and cognitive development (Aspire Learning). Which provides evidence, that for children, interaction with parents/ caregivers essential in for cognitive development.
As initially stated “children are resilient”, this was followed by asking the question of how resilient children actually are. It is important to reflect upon the fact that whilst children can adapt and change, there will be certain events that may impact on their physical, cognitive and socio-emotional development. As future teachers it is important to be aware of the issues that may arise, and understand an appropriate way in dealing with these issues, as to provide the best education for our students.
Reference List
Nature vs Nuture Are we really born that way
Kimberly Powell www.genealogy.about.com/cs/geneticgenealogy/a/nature_nuture.htm Hereditary Factors that Affect Physical Development
Robin McDaniel
Infants and Children, Prenatal through Middle Childhood, 6/e
Laura E Berk
Illinois State University www.ablongman.com Child Welfare Information Gateway
Nurturing and Attachment
US Department of Health and Human Services www.childwelfare.gov/com/factors/nurture_atteu.cfm The impact on Social and Cultural Factors on Theories of Child Development
Jess McCloskey www.mcbridie.net The Impact of Prenatal and Early Postnatal Nutrition on Child www.child-encyclopedia.com/documents/DuboisANGxp.pdf L Dubois
University of Ottawa
A lack of affection in childhood development
Mary Quick http://www.livestrong.com/article/525439-a-lack-of-affection-in-childhood-development/ Socioeconomic Status and Child Development
Robert H Bradley; Robert F Corwyn http://www.viriya.net/jabref/resilience/socioeconomic_status_and_child_development.pdf Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure at school age.
Physical and cognitive development
Claire D. Coles, Ronald T. Brown, Iris E. Smith, Kathleen A. Platzman, Stephen Erickson,
Arthur Falek
Human and Behavior Genetics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine and Georgia Mental Health Institute, Atlanta, GA, USA http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/089203629190084A Foster cognitive development in early childhood CHCFC505A
Version 1.1
http://aspirelearningresources.com.au/assets/document/1282680773-chfc505.pdf