Development from Conception to Young Adult

Play:
Associative and cooperative play.
Cognitive growth shown in constructive and pretend play.
Imitative play is prevalent.
Physical Development:
By age 6, head size approaches adult size.
Body becomes leaner; less chubby.
Improved coordination: skills include skipping, throwing, catching, copying figures, and printing letters/numbers.
Full set of teeth with baby teeth beginning to fall out.
Cognitive Development (Piaget):
Entering preoperational stage.
Decreasing egocentrism and increasing socialization.
Enhanced verbal expression and language skills.
Play increasingly reflects real life.
Constant questioning indicates curiosity and learning.
Improved self-esteem through positive reinforcement.
Psychosocial Development:
Freud's phallic stage: development of superego begins.
Erikson's initiative vs. guilt stage: balancing initiative against possible guilt from failure.
Havighurst's tasks include learning sex differences, recognizing right/wrong, and preparing to read.
Special Considerations:
Common fears often fueled by imagination; caregivers should validate feelings.
Moral and Spiritual Development:
Kohlberg's preconventional phase: decisions based on avoiding punishment or gaining rewards.
Limited understanding of religious concepts.
Health Concerns:
Frequent communicable diseases and respiratory infections.
Increased accident proneness due to curiosity.
Dental issues and emerging speech disorders.
Health Promotion: Emphasize safety, nutrition, and hygiene practices.

Play:
Development of skills through games with rules.
Emergence of competitive behavior and friendships.
Physical Development:
Brain reaches 90-95% of adult size; increased body coordination.
Motor skills evolve from pencil holding to script writing.
Cognitive Development (Piaget):
Concrete operational stage includes logical thinking with concepts like mass and measurements.
Develops classification systems and recognizes others' feelings.
Psychosocial Development:
Freud's latency stage emphasizes privacy and understanding bodily changes.
Erikson's industry vs. inferiority: importance of skill acquisition and a sense of usefulness.
Havighurst's tasks involve learning social roles and daily living skills.
Moral Development:
Kohlberg's conventional phase reflects behavior shaped by family and peers.
Health Considerations:
Leading causes of death include accidents and communicable diseases.
Attention to obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
Health Promotion: Focus on nutrition, safety education, and physical activity routines.

Key Transitions:
Adolescence: ages 12-20; begins with puberty.
Young adulthood: ages 20-30; focusing on relationships and career beginnings.
Physical Development:
Rapid growth, increased muscle mass, and activated sweat glands.
Three stages of puberty (prepubescence, pubescence, postpubescence).
Cognitive Development (Piaget):
Formal operational stage involves abstract thinking and long-term planning.
Mature reasoning develops but egocentrism may briefly re-emerge.
Psychosocial Development:
Erikson's stages include identity vs. role confusion in adolescence and intimacy vs. isolation in young adulthood.
Levinson's developmental tasks focus on career choices and personal values.
Moral Development:
Shifting views of morality and law during adolescence; transition to more complex moral reasoning in young adulthood.
Health Considerations:
Substance abuse is prevalent; awareness of mental health risks like depression and anxiety essential.
Teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are critical health issues.
Health Promotion: Importance of regular screenings, respectful communication, and health education.

Regular physical, vision, and dental screenings.
Focus on avoiding substance abuse and promoting healthy dietary habits.
Implement safety measures related to driving and everyday living.
Emphasize the role of open communication with adolescents and young adults regarding their health and lifestyle choices.