 Find the piece of paper with your name on it and sit at that table.  Read p. 315 “Health & Safety”  Answer on a sheet of paper: Which of these guidelines for preventing childhood obesity do you think would have the greatest impact and why?

Parenting: Unit 2

Identify ways parents can promote physical development (2.4) Give examples of ways parents can promote physical development (2.4.2)

 1. Assist In Physical Growth and Development  Encourage Manual Dexterity—ability to manipulate objects with the hands  Understand that at birth an infants’ movements are controlled by reflexes, which are automatic responses to stimulation  Encourage development of the senses.

 Vision  Birth – Infants can focus only at close range, a distance of 8-10 inches.  Within a few weeks a baby can track or follow by sight the movement of an abject or person.  By three of four months babies begin developing depth perception; the ability to see objects as 3 dimensional. This is fully developed by 7 months.

 Hearing –  Babies are able to hear before they are even born.  Newborns pay attention to their parents’ voices and may even stop moving when a conversation stops.  Newborns learn to recognize an individuals voice who speaks to them often.  Often startled by loud noises; doorbell, dog barking, etc.

Touch – The sense of touch is fully developed at birth. When infants cry they can often be calmed down by holding and/or cuddling them close to your chest. Some babies feel comfortable when wrapped in a blanket.

 Taste –  Newborns have a well-developed sense of taste.  Researchers have found that within hours of birth they can distinguish among sweet, sour, and bitter tastes  Not surprisingly, they prefer sweet ones!  Munchkin Fresh Food feeder. 2pk= $6.99

 Smell –  The sense of smell develops very soon after birth.  In the first few days an infant will recognize and prefer the smell of their mother, or primary caregiver.  Since babies are so sensitive to smells, parents should avoid exposing them to strong odors.

2. Promote Nutrition and Fitness  Feed them nutritious foods!  Don’t force them to finish their plates!  Avoid harmful foods (Under 4 years)— Small hard foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, pretzels, raw carrots, and raisins Slippery food such as while grapes, large pieces of hot dog, hard candy, and cough drops

 3. Promote Good Eating Habits  Introduce foods…make it fun!  Serve finger foods, room temp, mildly flavored and make plates attractive and fun  Remember—Monkey see, Monkey do! (Practice what you preach!)  Handle finicky eaters with care (see p )

 4. Promote Physical Activity  Model this!  Remember that exercise strengthens the brain as well as the body.  The habits children get into will become habits they will have as teens and adults.  Exercising together builds family bonds.

5. Promote Motor Development  Large and Small motor skills  Eye-hand coordination—the ability to move the hands accurately in response to what the eye sees  Give them opportunities to practice their new skills!

 Motor skills are abilities that depend on the controlled use of muscles.  Motor skill development follows a very specific sequence.

 Sometimes called “gross motor skills” I. Head and neck control: wobbly at first but by 6 mo. controls head very well. II. Most infants can roll over by the age of six months III. Able to pull themselves up to sitting positionsitting IV. Crawling, standing, climbing, and walking follow soon. Crawlingwalking

 Sometimes called “Fine motor skills” I. Batting objects with their hands II. Able to grasp objects III. Pincer grasp – the ability to take hold of small objects between thumb and forefinger.  Drinking from a cup is an example of a small motor skill.

 6. Teach & Encourage Self Care Routines  Dental Care  Bathing  Toileting Sphincter muscles—muscles in the bowel and bladder regions that regulate elimination develops between 18 mo. & 3 years More important than age  Watch for signs of readiness (p. 320) Bedwetting is a sign of enuresis—the lack of urinary control.  Bedwetting is a physical problem, NOT an emotional one that should be treated with sympathy and practical support. (For more information on what parents should do see p )

 7. Insure Adequate Sleep  Get into a good routine.  Deal with fear of the dark and nightmares.

 8. Choose Safe Clothing  Consider safety, ease, durability, comfort and care.  No Drawstrings – can get caught on playground equipment or objects such as doors, tree branches or fences.  Shoes need to be worn for protection and to provide support.  Flame resistant—treated with chemicals that will self-extinguish if they catch on fire.

 Dental appointments  Exercise  Medical appointments  Provide adequate nutrition  Provide adequate toys/opportunities  Assist, but allow them to practice dressing and typing skills  Facilitate/encourage sport involvement

 List 4 ways parents can promote physical development at each stage individually.  If you cannot think of 4 you may ask your table for suggestions.