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.
To compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages, we can use Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns. Gordon’s model is a useful framework for assessing the health and well-being of individuals, including toddlers. It consists of 11 different functional health patterns, each of which assesses various aspects of an individual’s health. We’ll apply these patterns to two toddlers of different ages and highlight their similarities and differences.
Toddler 1 (Age: 18 months): Toddler 2 (Age: 3 years):
1. Health Perception-Health Management:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler is developing a basic awareness of their body and health. They may mimic adults in simple health behaviors.
- Toddler 2: By 3 years, the toddler is more conscious of their health. They can express discomfort and may start to understand concepts of hygiene and safety.
2. Nutritional-Metabolic:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler is transitioning to solid foods, exploring different tastes and textures.
- Toddler 2: At 3 years, the toddler’s eating habits are more developed, and they may express food preferences. They can feed themselves and show improved appetite control.
3. Elimination:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler is beginning to show signs of readiness for potty training.
- Toddler 2: By 3 years, potty training may be well underway, and they can communicate their need for toileting more effectively.
4. Activity-Exercise:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler is mastering basic motor skills and is often in constant motion.
- Toddler 2: At 3 years, they have better coordination, can run, jump, and play more independently. They enjoy structured activities and may participate in organized sports.
5. Sleep-Rest:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler may still be napping frequently but is transitioning to a more predictable sleep schedule.
- Toddler 2: At 3 years, the toddler typically naps less and has a more regular sleep pattern. They may have nighttime fears or bedtime resistance.
6. Cognitive-Perceptual:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, cognitive development is focused on object permanence and simple problem-solving.
- Toddler 2: At 3 years, cognitive development includes language acquisition, more complex problem-solving, and imaginative play.
7. Self-Perception-Self-Concept:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler is becoming aware of themselves as separate from others but has limited self-concept.
- Toddler 2: At 3 years, self-concept is more established, and they can identify themselves by name, age, and gender.
8. Role-Relationship:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler’s relationships are mainly with caregivers and close family members.
- Toddler 2: At 3 years, they may start forming peer relationships, playing with other children, and experiencing more social interactions.
9. Sexuality-Reproductive:
- Both: These aspects are not typically relevant at these ages. Toddlers are in the early stages of developing a sense of gender identity.
10. Coping-Stress Tolerance:
- Toddler 1: At 18 months, the toddler may exhibit stress by temper tantrums or clinging behavior.
- Toddler 2: At 3 years, they have developed better coping mechanisms but may still have emotional outbursts when faced with stressors.
11. Value-Belief:
- Both: Toddlers at these ages are influenced by their family’s values and beliefs. They are still developing their own moral compass.
In summary, toddlers at different ages have unique growth and developmental patterns, but there are also commonalities. These patterns are influenced by age, cognitive development, motor skills, and social interactions. It’s important to consider these factors when assessing the health and well-being of toddlers and tailoring interventions and guidance accordingly.