Compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns. Describe and apply the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns as it applies to toddlers.
Sample Answer
Introduction
Toddlers experience significant growth and developmental patterns during their early years. To analyze these patterns, Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a comprehensive framework. This essay aims to compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages, using Gordon’s functional health patterns. By applying the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns to toddlers, we can gain insights into their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development.
Body
Health Perception-Health Management
Toddlers aged 1-2 years may have a limited understanding of health but are capable of imitating basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands or brushing teeth.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years begin to understand the concept of health and can actively participate in health-promoting activities, such as choosing healthy foods or engaging in physical activities with supervision.
Nutrition-Metabolic
Toddlers aged 1-2 years require a diet rich in essential nutrients to support rapid growth and development.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years continue to have high energy and nutrient needs but can start adopting a more varied diet and develop preferences for certain foods.
Elimination
Toddlers aged 1-2 years are transitioning from diapers to using the toilet. They may experience occasional accidents and require assistance in establishing regular bowel habits.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years have improved bladder and bowel control, with fewer accidents. They can communicate their needs and may need minimal assistance in maintaining regular elimination habits.
Activity-Exercise
Toddlers aged 1-2 years are highly active, constantly exploring their surroundings, and developing physical coordination skills.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years have improved gross motor skills, allowing them to engage in more complex physical activities such as running, jumping, and climbing.
Sleep-Rest
Toddlers aged 1-2 years require around 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years generally need around 10-13 hours of sleep per day, with most transitioning from napping to a single longer period of nighttime sleep.
Cognitive-Perceptual
Toddlers aged 1-2 years are rapidly developing their cognitive abilities, including object permanence, language skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years continue to expand their cognitive skills, including language development, memory, logical thinking, and imagination.
Self-Perception-Self-Concept
Toddlers aged 1-2 years begin to develop a sense of self and become aware of their individuality.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years have a more defined self-concept and actively seek independence and autonomy.
Role-Relationship
Toddlers aged 1-2 years primarily develop attachment with their caregivers and start exploring interactions with peers.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years further expand their social interactions, including forming friendships and engaging in cooperative play.
Sexuality-Reproductive
Toddlers aged 1-2 years have little awareness of sexuality and reproductive concepts.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years may start showing curiosity about gender differences and begin to ask questions related to reproduction.
Coping-Stress Tolerance
Toddlers aged 1-2 years rely heavily on their caregivers for emotional support and regulation.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years begin to develop coping skills, such as problem-solving, verbal communication, and seeking comfort from trusted individuals.
Values-Beliefs
Toddlers aged 1-2 years are shaped by their immediate environment and the values and beliefs demonstrated by their caregivers.
Toddlers aged 3-4 years start internalizing values and beliefs through observation, imitation, and direct teaching.
Conclusion
By applying Gordon’s functional health patterns to toddlers of different ages, we can observe distinct growth and developmental patterns. While toddlers aged 1-2 years are still developing basic cognitive abilities and rely heavily on their caregivers for support, toddlers aged 3-4 years demonstrate more advanced cognitive skills, seek independence, and actively engage in social interactions. Understanding these patterns aids in providing appropriate care and support for toddlers at different stages of development.