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. Word limit 500 words. Support your answers with the literature and provide citations and references (last 5 years)in APA format.
Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a comprehensive framework for assessing an individual’s health status by exploring various aspects of their functioning. This framework can also be applied to toddlers to understand their growth and developmental patterns. In this assignment, we will compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns.
The first component of Gordon’s functional health patterns is the “health perception-health management pattern.” This pattern focuses on how individuals perceive their health and how they manage it. For the younger toddler, aged 12 months, their health perception and management are primarily dependent on their caregivers. They rely on their parents or other caregivers to assess their health status and provide appropriate medical interventions. The older toddler, aged 24 months, starts to develop a sense of autonomy and may show interests in managing their health, such as wanting to pick their own clothes or participating in self-care activities like brushing teeth.
The second component is the “nutritional-metabolic pattern,” which examines a person’s eating habits, metabolic function, and nutrition-related factors. Both toddlers are likely to have similar nutritive needs, including a balanced intake of macronutrients and micronutrients. However, the younger toddler may still rely on breast milk or formula milk as their primary source of nutrition, while the older toddler might have already transitioned to a regular solid food diet. The older toddler may also develop food preferences and express autonomy in food choices, although their caregivers still play a significant role in ensuring a nutritious diet.
The “elimination pattern” focuses on an individual’s urinary and bowel habits. Both toddlers may still require assistance with toilet training, but the younger toddler would be in the early stages of this process, while the older toddler may have advanced to a more independent stage of toilet training. Caregivers of the younger toddler may need to monitor diaper changes and bowel movements to ensure regularity, while the older toddler may require less supervision and support in this area.
The “activity-exercise pattern” examines an individual’s physical activity level and exercise routines. Toddlers of both ages should engage in regular physical activity to promote healthy growth and development. The younger toddler may be in the early stages of walking and exploring their environment, while the older toddler may have developed more advanced gross motor skills and may engage in more structured and coordinated physical activities.
The “sleep-rest pattern” focuses on a person’s sleep habits and rest patterns. Both toddlers require an adequate amount of sleep to support their growth and development. However, the younger toddler may require more sleep hours per day, including frequent naps, while the older toddler may have consolidated their sleep into more regular and longer periods during the night.
The “cognitive-perceptual pattern” examines a person’s cognitive abilities, language development, and sensory perception. The younger toddler is in the early stages of cognitive development and may be exploring objects, recognizing faces, and babbling. The older toddler’s cognitive abilities would have progressed significantly, with the development of language skills, increased vocabulary, and the ability to understand and follow simple instructions. Their sensory perception would also be more refined, enabling them to recognize and respond to various stimuli in their environment.
The “self-perception-self-concept pattern” focuses on an individual’s perception of their own identity and self-esteem. While both toddlers are likely to have a developing sense of self, the younger toddler’s self-perception is mostly shaped by their relationships with caregivers. The older toddler may start to develop a sense of self, expressing preferences, asserting their will, and experiencing emotions related to self-identity.
The “role-relationship pattern” examines an individual’s role and relationships within their family and social networks. The younger toddler is likely to have a strong attachment to their primary caregiver and may start to develop social relationships with other family members. The older toddler would have more developed social skills, engaging in parallel play and forming friendships with peers.
The “sexuality-reproductive pattern” is not applicable to toddlers, as they are in the early stages of sexual development and do not possess reproductive capabilities.
The “coping-stress tolerance pattern” focuses on how individuals manage stress and cope with adversity. Toddlers of both ages are likely to experience stressors, such as separation anxiety or unfamiliar situations. The younger toddler may rely more on caregivers for comfort and reassurance, while the older toddler may start to develop coping mechanisms, such as seeking support from familiar individuals or engaging in self-soothing activities.
In conclusion, using Gordon’s functional health patterns, we can compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages. Each component of these patterns reveals the unique characteristics and challenges faced by toddlers at different stages of development. By understanding these patterns, caregivers and healthcare professionals can better support and promote the health and well-being of toddlers.