Human development is a wondrous and mysterious thing. Being a nurse for 10 years, I was confident of my knowledge of the stages that we go through from start; conception, to finish; death. Through out this course I learned so much that I didn't, and I am grateful to have that knowledge now. I feel it will help my be a better nurse and a better human.
Prenatal, infancy, early childhood
Prenatal development is a crucial time from the development of a baby. The mechanisms of heredity are how family traits are passed from one family member to another through DNA and genes. During pregnancy so many disorders and complications can arise. From hereditary diseases to abnormal chromosomes that result in a child being afflicted with Down's syndrome. External anf internal environmental factors play a role in many of these complications. Nutrion, stress, mother's age and use of teratogens can cause not only harm to the mother but to the developing fetus.
Piaget’s theory of cognitive development states that “children construct their own understanding of the world by creating schemes, categories of related events, objects and knowledge. And that these schemes are based on actions.” After my son was born, I would video tape him almost daily. Every time he would perform a new task it would be the proudest moment for me. When he realized that he could get my attention with just a smallest of coos he began to do it every time he wanted to be picked up, when he learned that when he shook a toy it would make noise, and then began to shake it constantly. I thought it was the cutest thing in the world. Then when he realized shaking it to hard could cause pain when he accidentally hit him self with it. I think this is what is meant by accommodation and assimilation.
When my daughter was about 2, i had taken her to Wal Mart to pick out an Halloween costume, and being me I grabbed a mask and put it on and turned towards her. She began to cry, and then when I took of the mask she stopped and reached for me. I realized that when I put the mask on, even though she witnessed me placing it on she thought I was gone. I believe that qualifies as an example of ego-centrism, in the preoperational period. Erikson's stages of psychosocial development include a basic trust vs mistrust. This stage is critical in that it centers around a babies basic needs being met by the parents, such as security, food, and attention to name a few. If these basic needs are not met, then a sense of mistrust is instilled in them, which could effect their social development. Attachment relationships with caregivers is also essential. Regarding gender roles and identity, i am very guilty of stereotyping. With my daughter I dressed her in frilly dresses as a infant and toddler. And then as she grew up always tried to keep her in the latest fashions. (I must admit she has a great sense of fashion now) My son was the same in I dressed him in little baseball and football outfits. Where my daughter had barbies, my son had dinosaurs.
School-age and adolescents
We learned about everything from child memory development, Intelligence and how it is measured, creativity, academics in school, to the physical development of our children. Piaget’s theory, The Concrete-Operational Period relates to a child’s view of the world around them, they are said to be egocentric, believing that others see the world as they do and they are unable to reverse their thinking. The Formal Operational Period stats at roughly 11 and enables the child to start seeing beyond what is right in front of them.
Intelligence is a huge process during the school years. Gardner believed that schools should focus on all intelligences, not just the traditional reading, writing, and math. And that teachers need to be aware of how their students individual intelligences and how they will best learn material. Which leads us into Sternberg’s Theory which states “Achieving one’s goals by using one’s skills defines successful intelligence. instruction is most effective when it is geared to one’s strength.” In my opinion every child is learns differently and , as is discussed later in the chapter regarding cultural and ethnicity factors r/t intelligence, stereotyping a child may convince them to think that they are destined to be not as smart as another child of different culture or ethnicity group, they may never reach their full potential. The best example of this that comes to mind is “Forrest Gump”, great movie, here is this child that has been asked all his life “are you stupid or something?” because of the stereotyping that because he had a lower IQ he was stupid. And as we see throughout the movie he is the cause/ or part of some of the most important moments in our countries history. This leads me into the subject of mental retardation, I happen to know quit a few individuals that are considered to be mentally retarded and most of them are the happiest, friendliest people I have every meet. The lack of “intelligence”, not that they are stupid in any way, is what make them able to be this way, my opinion only.
Physical and cognitive development of the adolescents starts roughly at the time of puberty. Both physical and mental changes can be difficult for both sexes. My son is currently experiences pre puberty, and I am quick to note the physical changes that await my son such as; reproductive organs (primary sex characteristics), facial hair ( secondary sex characteristics) and of course spermarche, Cognitively adolescents begin to process information differently. Self esteem is a huge issue during this time as well, kids are trying to figure out who they are and may go through several fashion stages, and mood stages. Learning to express themselves.
Young and middle adulthood
When is an adolescent considered an adult?”. I just recently have considered myself reaching the “Adult” stage, at least Cognitively. I think many of us believe that we are adults when we hit the ripe ol age of 21 or so, are able to drink, legally and have our own place (role transitions). I know I did! Boy was I wrong. I guess I wish that I had some “role of passage” to tell me when I had reached adulthood officially, as in many other cultures.
Challenges of middle adulthood involve realizing that you are not going to be young anymore. Life has pretty much slapped in the face; aka wrinkles.
Late adulthood
Late adulthood deals with the reflection of your life; did you have regrets, did you accomplish your goal. And of course dealing with our own mortality. From start to finish life is a wondrous journey, and depending on what paths you take through out your journey determines were you are at the end. I personally hope that I pass on with a smile on my face and no regrets.
