Discussion, 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 at least 3 less than 5 years. No plagiarism APA format.
Introduction
Toddlers undergo significant growth and development during their early years. Studying and comparing the growth and developmental patterns of toddlers of different ages can provide valuable insights into their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. In this discussion, the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages will be analyzed using Gordon’s functional health patterns. This framework provides a comprehensive and systematic approach to assess individuals’ health status across various domains. By applying the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns to toddlers, their growth and developmental milestones will be examined and compared.
Body
Gordon’s functional health patterns consist of eleven categories that address different aspects of an individual’s health and well-being. These categories include health perception-health management, nutritional-metabolic, elimination, activity-exercise, sleep-rest, cognition-perception, self-perception-self-concept, role-relationship, sexuality-reproductive, coping-stress tolerance, and values-beliefs (Edelman, Mandle, & Kudzma, 2018). Each category encompasses specific components that can be applied to assess the growth and developmental patterns of toddlers.
1. Health perception-health management: This category focuses on an individual’s perception of their health and their ability to manage it. For toddlers, this is reflected in their ability to communicate discomfort or pain and their engagement in healthy behaviors. For example, a 15-month-old toddler may point to their ear to indicate an earache, while a 24-month-old toddler may verbalize their pain.
2. Nutritional-metabolic: This category assesses individuals’ nutritional intake and metabolic functioning. Toddlers, especially between the ages of one and three, may be picky eaters and have erratic eating habits. However, they should demonstrate steady growth and consume a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy products (Dewey, Domellöf, Cohen, Landa Rivera, & Hernell, 2013).
3. Elimination: This category addresses bowel and bladder functioning. Toddlers typically achieve bowel and bladder control between the ages of 18 months and three years. A 15-month-old toddler may still be in the process of toilet training, whereas a 24-month-old toddler may have already achieved this milestone.
4. Activity-exercise: This category examines an individual’s level of physical activity and exercise. Toddlers are naturally active and constantly on the move. At 15 months, a toddler may be crawling, standing, and taking their first steps. By 24 months, they may be running, climbing, and jumping (Bornstein, 2014).
5. Sleep-rest: This category focuses on the amount and quality of sleep an individual receives. Toddlers require around 11-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps. A 15-month-old toddler may sleep for shorter durations and still require two naps, while a 24-month-old toddler may sleep for longer periods and have transitioned to one nap (Mindell, Sadeh, Kwon, & Goh, 2013).
6. Cognition-perception: This category assesses an individual’s cognitive abilities and perception of the world. Toddlers rapidly develop their language, problem-solving, and social skills during this stage. A 15-month-old toddler may understand simple commands and say a few words, while a 24-month-old toddler may have a vocabulary of 200-300 words and engage in imaginative play (Bornstein, 2014).
7. Self-perception-self-concept: This category addresses an individual’s self-perception and self-identity. At the toddler stage, children develop a sense of independence and self-awareness. A 15-month-old toddler may exhibit frustration when unable to accomplish a task independently, whereas a 24-month-old toddler may have a stronger sense of autonomy and exhibit more independence in their actions.
8. Role-relationship: This category examines an individual’s role in relationships and social interactions. Toddlers begin to form attachments and develop social skills during this stage. A 15-month-old toddler may show preference for specific caregivers and may display separation anxiety, while a 24-month-old toddler may actively engage in parallel play and develop friendships with peers (Bornstein, 2014).
9. Sexuality-reproductive: This category is not applicable to toddlers, as their sexual and reproductive development has not yet begun.
10. Coping-stress tolerance: This category addresses an individual’s ability to cope with stress and their stress management strategies. Toddlers may exhibit various coping mechanisms when faced with challenging situations. A 15-month-old toddler may cry or become agitated when overwhelmed, while a 24-month-old toddler may have developed better self-regulatory skills and be more resilient.
11. Values-beliefs: This category also does not apply to toddlers, as their values and belief systems are still developing.
Conclusion
Using Gordon’s functional health patterns, the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages have been analyzed and compared. By applying the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns, various aspects of toddlers’ health and well-being were assessed, including their perception of health, nutritional intake, elimination patterns, physical activity, sleep habits, cognitive abilities, self-perception, relationships, and coping strategies. Understanding and comparing the growth and developmental milestones of toddlers can provide valuable insights into their individual progress and highlight possible areas of concern or intervention. Further research and studies in this area can contribute to optimizing early childhood development and promoting overall well-being in toddlers.