The role of parents, carers and the family environment in determining the optimal development of children

Germinal Stage (weeks 0-2)

• Starts at fertilisation and ends with implantation. It is characterised by cell division

• The zygote travels down the fallopian tubes while continuing to divide

• When it reaches the uterus, the group of cells implants in the endometrium

• It then becomes an embryo

Embryonic Stage (Weeks 3-8)

• Begins at implantation and ends at 8 weeks

• Marked by cell differentiation - cells form specialised roles (heart, skin, bone)

• A critical stage for organs to be created: The heart, brain, lungs, kidneys, and nervous system begins form during this stage

• Embryo is highly sensitive to teratogens (tobacco, alcohol, drugs), which can disrupt development

Foetal stage (weeks 9-38)

• Characterised by growth and further development of organs and systems

• Organs formed in the embryonic stage mature and begin functioning

Teratogens

• Anything in the environment of the embryo that can cause defects in development

• Alcohol, tobacco smoke, prescription medication, radiation from x rays

Antenatal care

• Care that is provided to the mother throughout pregnancy

• Examples include checking mothers blood pressure, dietary intake, mental health and providing an ultrasound to check for development of foetus

Maternal diet

• Maternal undernutrition increases the risk of low birth weight.

• Folate: Required for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen around the body. It also assists with DNA synthesis, cell growth and the development of the nervous system of the foetus. Reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the baby

• Iodine: Ensures the healthy development of the baby’s brain and nervous system, particularly during the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. If deficient, can reduce cell branching, fewer connections, stunted growth and intellectual disability.

Physical development during infancy

• Rapid growth and marked by siginficant changes in body systems and motor skills

• Increase in weight, muscle mass and brain development

Social development in infancy

• Primarily shaped by family

• Infants learn basic social skills by observing and copying caregivers such as communicating and behaviour during play

• Seperation anxiety can occur

• Sharing and empathy is still developing

Emotional Development in infancy

• Experiencing and expressing emotion and forming self concept are largely influenced by caregivers

• By eight months, infants can express emotions like anger and happiness and may show frustration

• Tantrums are common and the ability to control impulses is difficult

Intellectual Development in infancy

• Knowledge and memory: By a few months, recognise their name and familiar people/object

• Language: At 3 months make speech like “goo” and “gaa”. By 12 months can use basic words like “mumma”

• Attention: Very short and new stimuli distracts easily

• Problem Solving: Games like peekaboo are enjoyed. Develop object permanence - knowing things exist even when no longer visible

Physical Development in early childhood

• Marked by slow and steady growth

• Gross and fine motor skills improve

• Coordination increases

Social Development in early childhood

• begin socialising through playgroups, kinder or childcare.

• Learn to share, take turns and build independence

• Family is the main source of social interaction

Emotional Development in children

• Play helps children express feelings

• They take pride in achievements and seek praise

• May feel jealous when others receive attention

• Begin to develop empathy’

• Mood changes quickly

• Start to form their identity

• Associate items like toys with personal ownership

Intellectual development in children

• Curiosity increases

• Attention span grows

• Rapid vocab growth

• Children may learn to count, write basic letters, and read simple books