Child Development – Unit 5 Children from One to Three

Physical Development Grow more slowly than infants Large and small motor skills improve greatly Teeth continue coming in Posture improves Age one, average weight is lbs, 28-30” tall Age two, average weight is lbs, 33-35” tall Age three, average weight is lbs, 36-38” tall 5.2

Routines for Good Health Brushing Teeth May still need help Good Eating Habits Bathing Teach children good hygiene – personal cleanliness Exercise Sleep Toilet Training 5.3

Feeding Toddlers Provide foods that are easy for children to handle (Cut-up foods, mashed potatoes, etc) Choose a variety of foods, including fruits and veggies Provide variety in color, texture, shape, temperature, and ease of eating Problems Include children in meal preparation Follow a schedule and keep meals pleasant Set a good example 5.5

Choosing Clothing Comfort No scratchy, stiff, or tight fabrics Durability Will it last? Functionality Is it just pretty? Economic Considerations Is it worth the price? 5.6

Providing a Safe Environment Prevent falls Keep floors and stairs free of debris Cover outlets Lock doors and windows Prevent burns Teach them range is hot Keep cleaners, meds, paints, etc out of child’s reach 5.4

Bedtime Problems May want to stay up or get up in the middle of the night May try to get parents to linger in room May use self-comforting techniques Comforting Fears Try calm discussion Be patient and understanding Avoid ridicule or shaming child Routines Have a pattern that is followed every night 5.7

Toilet Training Readiness Must be able to control sphincter muscles Must be settled into comfortable, familiar routine Parental Help Positive attitude and calm encouragement are important Rules and punishment less effective Expect some accidents Routines Offer potty at expected times: morning, before and after naps, before bed, after meals, etc 5.8

Intellectual Development Intelligence determined by heredity and environment Learning occurs through everyday experiences and play Intellectual Activity Areas Attention Memory Perception Reasoning Imagination Creativity, curiosity 5.9

Intellectual development milestones 1 year: Begins to put two words together Names common objects and people Understands “no” but ignores it Finds hidden objects 2 years: Uses 2 to 3 word sentences Knows about 500 words Follows simple directions Identifies colors

Intellectual development milestones 3 years: uses longer sentences Knows about 900 words Follows 2 part directions Sorts by color and shape

Promoting Intellectual Development Guide learning Give time and attention Take advantage of simple learning activities Allow time for thinking Give only as much help as needed for success Encourage children to draw their own conclusions Show them how to solve problems Maintain a positive attitude Keep explanations simple Allow children to explore and discover Help children understand the world and how it works Take frequent breaks 5.11

Promoting Intellectual Development Choose appropriate activities Appropriate books and toys Model appropriate speech 5.11

Ways Children Learn Incidental Trial and Error Imitation Directed Learning 5.10

Safe and Suitable Toys Ask these questions: Is the toy safe? Is it well made and durable? Will it be easy to care for? Will it encourage the use of imagination? Is it colorful? Will it be easy for the child to handle? May enjoy safe things you find in your own home 5.12

Emotional and Social Development Pass through emotional ups and downs, but gain ability to control emotions Show negativism as they try to exert control over their lives Become more interested in other children Learning to be friends helps children develop social skills they will use later. Basic skills like sharing and taking turns become important 5.13

Influencing Emotional and Social Development Give choices Redirect child Encourage thinking Allow independence Self-feeding Self-dressing Grooming skills Encourage helping others 5.14

Common Toddler Emotions Self-centered Empathy Anger Fear Jealousy Negativism Love and Affection 5.15

Ways Toddlers Express Emotions Anger Temper tantrums Less likely to be violent and explosive as they age Fear Difficulty sleeping, nightmares Negativism Doing opposite of what others want Result of desire for independence or frustration Showing affection Spreads from caregivers only to other special relationships 5.16

Impact of Relationships Help children form positive self-concept Promotes autonomy Confidence in social situations Willingness to take risks to learn 5.17

Helping a Child Develop Positive Self-Concept Respond in a positive way in actions, words, and attitudes. Everything you say matters. Work to build positive feelings. Offer praise and encouragement. Have a “You can do it!”: attitude 5.18

Guidance Techniques Give clear, simple instructions Be firm but positive Encourage talking Communication about feelings 5.19