BELL WORK Find the piece of paper with your

name on it and sit at that table. Read p. 315 “Health & Safety” Answer on a sheet of paper: Which

of these guidelines for preventing childhood obesity do you think would have the greatest impact and why?

PROMOTING DEVELOPMENT

Parenting: Unit 2

OBJECTIVESIdentify ways parents can promote physical

development (2.4)Give examples of ways parents can promote

physical development (2.4.2)

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4) 1. Assist In Physical Growth and

Development Encourage Manual Dexterity—ability to

manipulate objects with the handsUnderstand that at birth an infants’

movements are controlled by reflexes, which are automatic responses to stimulation

Encourage development of the senses.

SENSORY DEVELOPMENT Vision

Birth – Infants can focus only at close range, a distance of 8-10 inches.

Within a few weeks a baby can track or follow by sight the movement of an abject or person.

By three of four months babies begin developing depth perception; the ability to see objects as 3 dimensional. This is fully developed by 7 months.

SENSORY DEVELOPMENT Hearing – Babies are able to hear before they are

even born. Newborns pay attention to their parents’

voices and may even stop moving when a conversation stops.

Newborns learn to recognize an individuals voice who speaks to them often.

Often startled by loud noises; doorbell, dog barking, etc.

SENSORY DEVELOPMENTTouch –• The sense of touch is fully

developed at birth.

• When infants cry they can often be calmed down by holding and/or cuddling them close to your chest.

• Some babies feel comfortable when wrapped in a blanket.

SENSORY DEVELOPMENT Taste – Newborns have a

well-developed sense of taste.

Researchers have found that within hours of birth they can distinguish among sweet, sour, and bitter tastes

Not surprisingly, they prefer sweet ones!

Munchkin Fresh Food feeder. 2pk= $6.99

SENSORY DEVELOPMENT Smell – The sense of smell develops very soon

after birth. In the first few days an infant will

recognize and prefer the smell of their mother, or primary caregiver.

Since babies are so sensitive to smells, parents should avoid exposing them to strong odors.

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4)2. Promote Nutrition and Fitness

Feed them nutritious foods! Don’t force them to finish

their plates! Avoid harmful foods (Under 4 years)—

Small hard foods such as nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, pretzels, raw carrots, and raisins

Slippery food such as while grapes, large pieces of hot dog, hard candy, and cough drops

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4) 3. Promote Good Eating Habits

Introduce foods…make it fun!Serve finger foods, room temp, mildly

flavored and make plates attractive and fun Remember—Monkey see, Monkey do!

(Practice what you preach!)Handle finicky eaters with care (see p. 314-

315)

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4) 4. Promote Physical Activity

Model this!Remember that exercise strengthens the

brain as well as the body.The habits children get into will become

habits they will have as teens and adults.Exercising together builds family bonds.

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4)5. Promote Motor Development

Large and Small motor skills Eye-hand coordination—

the ability to move the hands accurately in response to what the eye sees

Give them opportunities to practice their new skills!

MOTOR SKILLS Motor skills are abilities that

depend on the controlled use of muscles.

Motor skill development follows a very specific sequence.

LARGE MOTOR SKILLS Sometimes called “gross motor

skills”I. Head and neck control: wobbly at first

but by 6 mo. controls head very well.II. Most infants can roll over by the age

of six monthsIII. Able to pull themselves up to sitting

positionIV. Crawling, standing, climbing, and

walking follow soon.

SMALL MOTOR SKILLS Sometimes called “Fine motor

skills”I. Batting objects with their handsII. Able to grasp objectsIII. Pincer grasp – the ability to take hold

of small objects between thumb and forefinger.

Drinking from a cup is an example of a small motor skill.

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4) 6. Teach & Encourage Self Care Routines

Dental Care Bathing Toileting

Sphincter muscles—muscles in the bowel and bladder regions that regulate elimination develops between 18 mo. & 3 years

More important than age Watch for signs of readiness (p. 320) Bedwetting is a sign of enuresis—the lack of urinary control.

Bedwetting is a physical problem, NOT an emotional one that should be treated with sympathy and practical support. (For more information on what parents should do see p. 321-323)

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4) 7. Insure Adequate Sleep

Get into a good routine.Deal with fear of the dark and nightmares.

TIPS FOR PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P.4) 8. Choose Safe Clothing

Consider safety, ease, durability, comfort and care.

No Drawstrings – can get caught on playground equipment or objects such as doors, tree branches or fences.

Shoes need to be worn for protection and to provide support.

Flame resistant—treated with chemicals that will self-extinguish if they catch on fire.

HOW COULD THE FOLLOWING HELP A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT Dental

appointments Exercise Medical

appointments Provide

adequate nutrition

Provide adequate toys/opportunities

Assist, but allow them to practice dressing and typing skills

Facilitate/encourage sport involvement

PROMOTING PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT (P. 3) List 4 ways parents can promote physical development at each stage individually.

If you cannot think of 4 you may ask your table for suggestions.