Child Development Overview

Intellectual development includes skills such as speaking, writing, and sorting.

Jean Piaget was a researcher who studied cognitive development in children and proposed four stages of cognitive development.

Robert Coles emphasized the importance of modeling and observational learning in children's development.

A nuclear family consists of a mother, a father, and their biological or adopted children.

A blended family is formed when a single parent remarries and brings children from a previous relationship into the new family.

An extended family includes parents, children, and other close relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins living together.

Foster children live temporarily with a family or individual who provides care and support while their biological parents deal with personal issues or instability.

Guardians are individuals or families legally responsible for the care and well-being of children when their parents are unable to do so due to death or other circumstances.

The developing phase of the family life cycle is characterized by the presence of children and the focus on their upbringing.

Readiness for parenthood involves various factors like financial stability, emotional maturity, and a strong support system, but awareness of health is not necessarily included as a core component.

Genes are small units of heredity, found on chromosomes, that determine our physical and biological traits.

Identical twins develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos, resulting in twins with the same genetic makeup.

Fraternal twins develop when two separate eggs are fertilized by two different sperm, leading to twins who are genetically similar to siblings born at different times.

A dominant gene expresses itself regardless of the other gene present in the pair, effectively determining the trait.

Infertility refers to the inability of a couple to conceive a child despite unprotected sexual intercourse for at least a year.

Genes influence a wide range of personal characteristics, including physical traits, personality, and predispositions to certain diseases.

A fertilized egg containing XY chromosomes develops into a male fetus.

Stillbirth refers to the death of a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks, often due to complications or health issues.

Amniocentesis is a prenatal test that involves extracting amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus to test for genetic abnormalities or other issues.

Sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder, is more common in people of African descent, leading to complications with oxygen transport and red blood cell shape.

Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the placenta to assess for genetic disorders.

Folic acid is a B vitamin essential for fetal development and can help prevent neural tube defects like Spina bifida.

Rubella, also known as German measles, can be harmless to pregnant women but can severely damage the developing fetus.

Tobacco use during pregnancy, including secondhand smoke, can harm the developing fetus, leading to various health complications.

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, even in small amounts, can have severe effects on the developing fetus, leading to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

Paternal smoking, even if the mother doesn't smoke, can affect the developing fetus, leading to potential health issues.

Over-the-counter medications can potentially pose risks to the developing fetus and should always be discussed with a doctor before use.

The uterus contracts during labor, causing the baby to descend through the birth canal.

The cervix, the opening of the uterus, dilates or widens during labor to allow the baby to pass through.

The second stage of labor is characterized by the actual delivery of the baby as it passes through the birth canal.

Babies with jaundice, a condition affecting bilirubin levels, may require additional hospital care and stay longer than other babies.

A premature baby is born before 37 weeks of gestation, often requiring special care and monitoring.

The rooting reflex is a newborn reflex that disappears after a few months, where a baby automatically turns their head towards a touch on their cheek, searching for food.

Cow's milk is not recommended for babies under one year old, as their digestive systems are not mature enough to process it.

In early childhood, direct experiences and hands-on activities are more effective for learning than simply verbal instructions alone.

At eighteen months, toddlers often exhibit extreme self-centeredness, negativity, and resistance towards commands or suggestions.

Three and a half year olds may exhibit insecurity, display fears, and demonstrate bossy behavior as they navigate social interactions.

Two and a half year olds often express a strong drive for independence, displaying rapid mood swings, testing limits, and asserting their autonomy.

By two years old, children typically exhibit improved social skills, greater calmness, and express affection more freely, indicating emotional growth.

Three-year-olds often engage in imaginative pretend play, talking to toys, playmates, and even imaginary friends.