Discussing Children Of Different Ages And Their Milestones

Discuss 2children Of Different Ages Have Different Milestones As They

Discuss 2 children of different ages have different milestones as they grow older. Therefore, new observable changes always guarantee the parents and guardians that the development process is on the right track. Thus, this essay will compare and contrast the growth and development patterns of 18- and 3-year-old toddlers using Gordon’s functional health patterns. The health perception and health management pattern in 18-month-old toddlers is that they solely depend on their parents and healthcare professionals to be healthy; in most cases, when they are sick, they cannot express it (Laud, 2021). Still, they are likely to cry as this is their way of expressing discomfort and fear, as depicted in Gordon’s functional health pattern of coping and stress tolerance.

Whereas in these two categories, a three-year-old toddler will be able to point out where they are feeling sick, and they can express themselves when they feel stressed (Stanborough, 2019). Additionally, when they are under stress, they can be easily distracted by engaging in activities they like, such as playing. Looking into the nutritional and metabolic pattern of the younger toddler, this child can drink well from a cup and feed using a spoon with the help of their parents. However, at this stage, the child can experience problems in their digestive system as they are still being introduced to more solid foods (Laud, 2021). Therefore, this functional health pattern is closely related to the pattern of elimination and functional health, as poor nutritional metabolism will result in bad bowel movements.

While a three-year-old toddler feeds well, problems in their digestion system can show through food allergies (Stanborough, 2019). An 18-month-old toddler’s pattern of activity and exercise is likely to be depicted through their running, walking, and engaging in other fun activities such as playing. This also relates directly to their sleeping patterns and rest, as they are likely to sleep 12 hours daily due to their engagement in more body movements than before. Moreover, a three-year-old toddler is expected to engage in more rigorous physical activities but will have a sleep range of eight to twelve hours daily. Furthermore, the cognitive functional health pattern of an 18-month-old is depicted when the child identifies objects and their functions.

In contrast, a three-year-old toddler is likely to start asking questions about things surrounding them, and they speak fluently with a good memory. Considering the pattern of self-perception, self-concept, and sexual/reproductive functions, the 18-month-old toddler can respond to their names but is unaware of the various genders that exist. In contrast, a three-year-old toddler can respond to their name and needs to belong to a social setting such as a playgroup and know the genders around them (Laud, 2021). The pattern of values and beliefs in an 18-month-old toddler differs from the three-year-old, as the older one is aware of the difference between good and bad deeds taught by their parents. In contrast, the younger toddler cannot differentiate between good and bad. Therefore, they fully depend on their guardians to guide them. In conclusion, all these functions assist in assessing a child's physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional development.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Developmental milestones in children are critical indicators of their growth across physical, cognitive, emotional, and social domains. The progression through these milestones varies significantly at different ages, and understanding these differences is vital for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. This paper compares and contrasts the developmental milestones of an 18-month-old and a 3-year-old child using Gordon’s functional health patterns as a framework, highlighting how observable changes reinforce the normal progression of development and inform appropriate care and intervention.

Introduction

Child development is a complex process that involves a series of milestones that children typically reach in a sequential order. These milestones serve as benchmarks for assessing whether a child's growth aligns with their age. Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a comprehensive model for evaluating various aspects of health and developmental status. Examining children at 18 months and 3 years illustrates the distinct yet interconnected stages of growth. At 18 months, children exhibit emerging independence but remain largely reliant on caregivers. Conversely, by 3 years, children demonstrate greater autonomy, improved communication, and social proficiency, reflecting their advancing developmental capacities.

Physical Development and Activity Patterns

Physical milestones are among the earliest indicators of growth. At 18 months, children usually begin to walk independently, begin exploring their environment actively through running and climbing, and are developing fine motor skills like stacking blocks or turning pages (WHO, 2020). Their activity level is high, which correlates with their need for rest and sleep—generally around 12 hours per day, including naps. In contrast, a 3-year-old engages in more complex physical activities, such as jumping, balancing, and riding tricycles. Their motor skills are more refined, allowing for greater independence in self-care activities. They require slightly less sleep—around 10 to 12 hours at night—though daytime naps may still be observed in some (Turen & Enc, 2022).

Cognitive and Perceptual Skills

At 18 months, cognitive development is characterized by object permanence, recognition of familiar people, and early problem-solving skills. They can identify familiar objects and their uses but lack advanced language skills. They begin to imitate actions and may have limited vocabulary of around 5-20 words (Laud, 2021). A 3-year-old, however, shows significant progress: they speak in sentences, ask pertinent questions ("Why?"), and demonstrate an understanding of concepts like size, shape, and quantity. Their vocabulary expands to over 200 words, enabling more complex communication. Cognitive advances also include imaginative play and early signs of symbolic thinking (Stanborough, 2019).

Emotional and Social Development

Emotionally, an 18-month-old primarily expresses feelings through crying, gestures, and limited words. They begin to develop attachment to primary caregivers but may experience separation anxiety. Their social interactions are mostly confined within the family unit. By age 3, children have a broader social circle, engage in cooperative play, and begin to form friendships. They develop a sense of self-awareness, recognizing themselves in mirrors, and can express emotions more clearly. They also start to assert independence, often testing boundaries, which is a normal part of psychosocial development (Karaca, 2016).

Values, Beliefs, and Self-Concept

Values and beliefs at 18 months are primarily learned through observation and imitation. They are influenced by familial routines, cultural practices, and caregiver interactions. By 3 years, children’s understanding of norms around behaviors, manners, and social roles deepens. They begin to internalize moral concepts, such as "sharing," and develop a sense of right and wrong. Their self-concept evolves as they recognize their preferences, such as favorite toys or activities, and display some independence in decision-making.

Implications for Care and Developmental Surveillance

Understanding these milestones is crucial for timely identification of developmental delays. Regular assessments using tools aligned with Gordon’s functional health patterns can help identify children who are not meeting age-appropriate milestones. For example, a lack of expressive language at 3 years might warrant further evaluation to rule out speech or language disorders. Similarly, delays in motor skills at 18 months could signal underlying neurological or muscular issues. Early intervention enhances developmental outcomes and supports children’s overall well-being.

Conclusion

The developmental progression from 18 months to 3 years involves significant physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. While both age groups depend on caregivers for health management and guidance, their observable milestones reinforce their ongoing growth and adaptation to their environment. Recognizing these differences through frameworks like Gordon’s functional health patterns enables healthcare providers and caregivers to support optimal development and address concerns promptly, ensuring children reach their full potential.

References

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