Child Development

Child Development

1. Parenthood

   • Types of family
     • Nuclear
       • where the family consists of both parents and their chid/children
     • extended family
       • where the family live with extended family e.g. aunts, uncles e.c.t.
     • single parent family
       • where one parent looks after a child/children because of a divorce or death e.c.t.
     • Foster Family
       • where children are temporarily cared for by another family. fostering can be short or long term depending on why they are being fostered
     • adopted family
       • when adoptive parents legally and permanently adopt children
     • same sex family
       • when couples of the same sex have chidren either from past relationships or adopting
     • re-constructed/step family
       • where a new relationship forms and either one or both of the people have children.
   • Cultural differences
     • different cultures have different languages, religions, clothing, types of food e.c.t.
     • each culture has different beliefs, values and traditions
     • different cultures have different foods they can and cant eat
     • some cultures prefer to live in extended families.
     • some cultures prefer for their children to be looked after by family rather than day care.
     • some cultures like very good education
   • planning for a family/ preparing for a baby
     • planning for a baby
     • pre-conceptual care
     • Changes to lifestyle
     • Things new parents need to buy
   • providing a safe environment
     • accidents
       • types of accidents
         • falls
         • choking
         • burns and scalds
         • cuts and puncture wounds
         • suffocation
         • poisoning
         • drowning
         • road accidents
       • safety measures
         • stair gates
         • protection and safety glass for low windows and glass doors
         • window safety catches
         • harnesses
         • fire guards
         • socket covers
         • catches on cupboards
         • supervise in the bath.
         • keeping plastic bags out of reach
         • keeping small items away from children
         • having smoke alarms
       • safety labels
     • treating minor injuries at home
     • first aid at home

2. Pregnancy

   • the menstrual cycle
   • hormones
     • male hormones
     • female hormones
   • conception and fertilisation
   • what supports the baby in the womb
     • amniotic sac and fluid
     • placenta
     • umbilical cord
     • uterus
     • cervix
   • the development of the baby in the womb
     • the zygote stage
       • up until week 4
     • the embryo stage
       • 4-8 weeks
     • the foetal stage
       • 8-40 weeks
   • Pre-conceptual care
     • what are contraceptives
       • who needs them
       • how do they work
       • what is it?
       • reducing risks
       • infertility
       • fertility treatment
         • PGD
         • IVF
         • GIFT
         • AIH
         • DI
         • ICSI
         • Surrogacy
         • egg donation
       • how can genetic abnormities be passed on
     • what is genetic counselling?
   • what are genes
   • serious problems in pregnancy
     • an ectopic pregnancy
     • a miscarriage and still birth
     • pre-eclampsia
     • Rheus factor problems
   • routine tests during pregnancy.
     • blood tests
     • blood pressure
     • urine tests
     • height and shoe size
     • weight
     • ankles and feet
     • examining the mothers abdomen
     • listening to the baby's heartbeat
     • ultra sounds
   • screening and diagnostic tests.
     • Diagnostic tests
       • Amniocentesis
         • this is a test for women over the age of 37 and who have a family history that causes concern. it is carried out at 16-18 weeks and it uses a hollow needle and an ultrasound. this ca
     • screening tests
       • alpha- foetoprotien test (AFP)
         • this test is done between 15-18 weeks, blood is taken form the mother and tested. this is to test for multiple birth or more advanced pregnancy. a high level can mean the baby has spina bifida, a low level can mean the baby has down syndrome
       • Nuchal fold translucency test.
         • this test is done at 11-14 weeks. during an ultrasound scan the fold of skin on the back of the baby's neck and fluid levels are measured. a thicker fold can indicate down syndrome
       • serum screening
         • this test is done between 15 and 16 weeks. it measures two hormones and the protein alpha-foetoprotien. plus the woman's age. this can help to see if the baby has down syndrome

3. Diet, health and care of the child

   • nutrition and healthy eating
     • nutrients
       • proteins
         • protein is for growth and repair, second source of energy, healing. you get protein from animal sources and plant sources
       • Vitamins
         • vitamins are not made by the body but are found in different foods.
           • different vitamins include
             • vitamin A
             • Vitamin D
             • vitamin E
             • vitamin K
             • vitamin B group
             • folic acid
             • Vitamin C
       • minerals
         • minerals are found in soil, plant eating animals.
           • calcium
           • iron
           • fluoride
       • fats
         • fat provides a store of energy, protects vital organs and keeps the body warm. you get fat from fat on meat, butter, oil, crisps e.c.t.
       • carbohydrates
         • carbs provide energy. you get them form pasta, flour, bread, fruit and veg, honey e.c.t.
     • balanced diet
       • what is a balanced diet
         • milk and dairy products
         • fruit and veg
         • cereals and bread
         • meat, fish or alternatives
         • fats and sugar
   • breast feeding
     • breast feeding is considered to be the best and most natural way of feeding babies.
     • advantages of breast feeding
       • for the baby
         • less likely to become obese
         • their brains develop better
         • dose not need to be sterilised
         • less likely to have nappy rash
         • contains natural antibody's
         • never causes indigestion
         • the milk changes as the baby grows.
         • babies are less likely to have allergies
       • for the mother
         • chance to sit down
         • helps the uterus to return to normal size
         • no equipment
         • cheaper than formula
         • can delay the return of periods
         • bonding time
     • disadvantages of breast feeding
       • for the mother
         • can be tiring
         • can take up a lot of time
         • may feel 'tied' to the baby (lack of freedom)
         • may get sore or cracked nipples
         • will need to avoid alcohol, drugs e.c.t.
         • may be too embarrassed to feed in public
       • for the baby
         • may not get enough milk
         • may find it hard to wean.
         • may be lactose intolerant
         • drugs and alcohol may be passed causing harm to the baby

4. development of the child

5. support for the parent and the child