learning Objectives - Describe the normal growth & development of children
Hours - 15
Teaching and Learning Activities - Lecture cum discussions Role play Videos Plotting of growth chart
Assessment Methods - Short answers Objective type Essay type
Content of the chapter
a) Definition, principles, factors
affecting growth & development,
techniques of assessment,
plotting of growth chart
b) Infant:
Growth & Development, health
promotion, breast feeding
&weaning, immunization, infant
and young child feeding
c) Toddler :
Growth & Development,
nutrition counselling, toilet
training, safety, prevention of
accidents, play.
d) Preschoolers
Growth & development Daycare
centers Role of Parents in sex
education
e) School ager
Growth & development, rest,
sleep, physical exercises &
activity, dental health, sex
education
f) Adolescent
– Growth &development,
adaptation to puberty,
menstrual hygiene, nutritional
guidance, sex education,
– Role of Parents in health
promotion of adolescents
– Control of iron deficiency
anemia (WIFS guidelines)
a) Growth and Development
Definition
- Growth: Quantitative increase in physical size such as height, weight, and head circumference.
- Development: Qualitative changes in functional abilities, skills, and maturation.
Principles of Growth & Development
- Continuous and orderly process
- Proceeds from head to toe (cephalocaudal)
- Proceeds from center to periphery (proximodistal)
- Individual variation exists
- Growth and development are interrelated
- Development proceeds from simple to complex
Factors Affecting Growth & Development
- Genetic factors
- Nutrition
- Endocrine influence
- Gender
- Socio-economic status
- Environment
- Emotional factors
- Illness and health care
Techniques of Assessment
- Anthropometric measurements (weight, height, head circumference)
- Developmental milestones
- Growth charts
- Physical examination
- Developmental screening tests
Plotting of Growth Chart
- Plot age on X-axis and weight/height on Y-axis
- Use WHO growth charts
- Regular plotting helps detect growth faltering early
b) Infant (Birth – 1 Year)
Growth & Development
- Birth weight doubles by 5 months, triples by 1 year
- Rapid head circumference growth
- Milestones: sitting, crawling, standing
Health Promotion
- Exclusive breastfeeding
- Immunization
- Hygiene and infection prevention
Breastfeeding
- Exclusive breastfeeding for first 6 months
- Continue up to 2 years with complementary feeding
Weaning / Complementary Feeding
- Start at 6 months
- Gradual introduction of semi-solid foods
- Adequate protein, calories, vitamins
Immunization
- As per National Immunization Schedule
Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF)
- Timely initiation of breastfeeding
- Age-appropriate complementary feeding
- Continued breastfeeding
c) Toddler (1–3 Years)
Growth & Development
- Slow but steady growth
- Development of motor skills and independence
Nutrition Counselling
- Balanced diet
- Small frequent meals
- Avoid junk foods
Toilet Training
- Begin when child shows readiness
- Positive reinforcement
Safety & Prevention of Accidents
- Supervision
- Safe environment
- Prevent poisoning and falls
Play
- Parallel play
- Promotes motor and social development
d) Preschooler (3–6 Years)
Growth & Development
- Improved motor coordination
- Language development
Day Care Centers
- Promote socialization
- Structured learning environment
Role of Parents in Sex Education
- Answer questions honestly
- Use correct terminology
- Teach body safety and privacy
e) School-Age Child (6–12 Years)
Growth & Development
- Steady growth
- Cognitive and social development
Rest & Sleep
- 9–11 hours per day
Physical Exercise & Activity
- Outdoor games
- Physical fitness
Dental Health
- Regular brushing
- Dental check-ups
Sex Education
- Age-appropriate education
- Puberty preparation
f) Adolescent (12–18 Years)
Growth & Development
- Rapid physical growth
- Secondary sexual characteristics
Adaptation to Puberty
- Emotional support
- Body image acceptance
Menstrual Hygiene
- Use of sanitary napkins
- Personal hygiene
- Education on normal menstruation
Nutritional Guidance
- Increased calorie and iron requirement
- Balanced diet
Sex Education
- Reproductive health
- Prevention of STIs and HIV
Role of Parents in Health Promotion
- Open communication
- Emotional support
- Monitoring risk behaviors
Control of Iron Deficiency Anemia (WIFS Guidelines)
Weekly Iron and Folic Acid Supplementation (WIFS):
- Weekly IFA tablets to adolescents
- Biannual deworming
- Nutrition education
- Screening for anemia
Conclusion
Understanding growth and development helps nurses provide age-appropriate, preventive, promotive, and holistic care. Parental involvement, health education, and national programs play a crucial role in ensuring optimal child and adolescent health.