Child Development Chapter 8
Why would Nailah Pierre be able to sit still?
(1) gender (girls mature earlier than boys) (2) experience (she has been in church many times), and (3) social context (she is one of 750 students in her school attending a special service at Nativity Catholic church).
Lead
-157 brains showed reduced volumes because of this -causes intellectual and behavioral problems -no level safe but being better regulated -US banned this paint in 1978 and automobile fuel in 1996 -children who are young, low SES, and/or living in old houses= higher risk -teenager involvement in impulsive, violent crimes is linked to this poisoning in brain
6 year olds weigh what and are how tall on average?
-3 feet (110 centimeters) and 40-50 pounds (18023 kilograms) -looks lean -has adult like features (legs constitute about half the total height)
Hypothalamus
-A brain area that responds to the amygdala and the hippocampus to produce hormones that activate other parts of the brain and body -controls maintenance functions such as eating; helps govern endocrine system; linked to emotion and reward LS
Fine motor skills
-Are more difficult to master -Involve small hand and finger movements -Often involve both sides of brain -Influenced by practice and maturation -On average, mature 6 months earlier in females -children learn what skills their culture teaches (chop stick, fork and knife, etc) *1/3 of adults worldwide use only hands to eat
Hormonal feedback loop (READ MORE FROM BOOK)
-Both the hippocampus and the amygdala stimulate the hypothalamus to produce CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), which in turn signals the pituitary gland to produce ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) ACTH then triggers the production of CORT -(glucocorticoids) by the adrenal cortex (the outer layers of the adrenal glands, atop the kidneys) -Fear may either build or disappear, depending on other factors, including how the various parts of the brain interpret that first alert from the amygdala
Gross motor skills
-Brain maturation, motivation, and guided practice make gross motor skills possible. -Influence of culture and locale is important. -ballerina/soccer examples
Brain development
-By age 2, a child's brain weighs 75 percent of what it will in adulthood. -Extensive sprouting and then pruning of dendrites has already taken place. -The brain reaches 90 percent of adult weight by age 6.
Contemporary views on left-right distinction
-Distinction exaggerated -No exclusive sidedness in healthy people -Both sides of brain involved in almost every skill -Brain is flexible, especially in early life
Why is there a difference between reported versus substantiated cases of maltreatment?
-Each child is counted only once, so five verified reports about a single child result in one substantiated case. Substantiation requires proof. -Many professionals are mandated reporters, required to report any signs of possible maltreatment. -Some reports are screened out A report may be false or deliberately misleading *Substantiated declined significantly since 1993 but reports increased (fewer homes w/ small children, variation in level of professional scrutiny related to abuse, maltreatment may be under-reported, social workers have improved this)
Healthy preschoolers..
-Eat more dark greens and orange veggies -consumed less fried food -gain bone mass, but not fat
Pollutants
-Harm young, growing brains and bodies more than older, developed ones -Are particular concerns for urban, low SES children -Impact asthma and other respiratory problems -examples: Carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, black carbon, wood smoke, car exhaust, second hand smoke, waste contamination, lead(in Waco lead to ADD bc old house with lead paint)
Warning signs
-In general: Delayed development (slow growth, immature communication, lack of curiosity, unusual social interactions) -By early childhood: Fearful, startled by noise, defensive, quick to attack, confused between fantasy and reality -These are the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder -"accidental injuries", repeated injuries, fantasy play with themes of violence or sex, weird appetite, ongoing physical complaints, reluctant to play talk or move, no close friendships, hostility to others, bullying young children, hypervigilance with quick impulsive reactions, frequently absent from school or change of address or change in caregiver, fearful when see caregiver
Nutritional deficiencies
-Most children in developed nations consume more than enough calories, they do not always obtain adequate iron, zinc, and calcium -Many customs entice children to eat sweets which are a poor substitute for balanced, varied diet Gender, ethnicity, and income correlate with body fat. -Estimated 3 to 8 percent of all young children are allergic to a specific food—almost always a common, healthy one
Improved motor skills
-Muscle growth, brain maturation, and guided practice advance every gross motor skill -Practice improves dexterity (skill in performing tasks, especially with the hands) and advances fine motor skills, which involve small body movements
Maturation of prefrontal cortex
-Prefrontal cortex is very limited in infancy and continues to develop at least until early adulthood. -Between ages 2 and 6, neurological increases are especially notable in the areas of the cortex, where planning, thinking, social awareness, and language occur. -Neurological immaturity is another reason adults need to prevent childhood injury.
Mistreated and neglected children (long-lasting effects)
-Regard people as hostile and exploitative -Are less friendly, more aggressive, and more isolated than other children -Experience greater social deficits -May experience large and enduring economic consequences -Have higher risk of emotional disorders and suicide attempts
Advances in neurological control between ages 2 and 6 are evident in several ways (maturation in prefrontal cortex benefits):
-Sleep becomes more regular (nap time easier) -Emotions become more nuanced and responsive -Temper tantrums subside -Uncontrollable laughter and tears are less common
Obsessions
-Some children exhibit normal, age-dependent obsessive-compulsive behavior related to food choices and bedtime routine—these typically disappear by middle childhood -Preferred to have things done in a particular order or in a certain way -Had a strong preference to wear (or not wear) certain clothes -Prepared for bedtime by engaging in a special activity, routine, or ritual -Had strong preferences for certain foods
Oral health
-Too much sugar, too little fiber, diet, and health cause tooth decay (severe early decay harms formation of permanent teeth and the jaw and may affect speech) (affects more than 1/3 of US children by age 6) -Parental childhood experiences and habits and income may create barriers to good dental care. -USPS urges addition of fluoride coat to teeth of preschoolers who have no other source of fluoride to prevent cavities
Artistic expression
1-All forms of ________ blossom during early childhood 2-In every _____ domain skill gradually comes with practice and maturation 3-Correlated w/ later creative drawing (adult encouragement, child practice, and developing technical skill) 4-Cultural context influence expression *Bliss for boys but not for moms*
How many inches and pounds do children gain each year from 2-6 is well-nourished?
3 inches, 4 1/2 pounds
Adoption
A legal proceeding in which an adult or couple is granted the joys and obligations of being a child's parent(s)
Hippocampus
A brain structure that is a central processor of memory, especially memory for locations; a structure in the limbic system linked to memory LS (An elephant never forgets, elephants are big like hippos)
Kinship care
A form of foster care in which a relative of a maltreated child, usually a grandparent, becomes the approved caregiver
Foster care
A legal, publicly supported system in which a maltreated child is removed from the parents' custody and entrusted to another adult or family; its providers are reimbursed in meeting the child's needs
Corpus callosum
A long, thick band of nerve fibers that connects the left and right hemispheres of the brain and allows communication between them; axon fibers connecting two cerebral hemispheres
Amygdala
A tiny brain structure that registers emotions, particularly fear and anxiety; neural centers in the limbic system linked to emotion LS
Secondary prevention
Actions that avert harm in a high-risk situation, such as holding a child's hand while crossing the street or traffic lights at dangerous intersections
Primary prevention
Actions that change overall background conditions to prevent harm (unwanted event or circumstance, such as injury, disease, or abuse)
Tertiary prevention
Actions, such as immediate and effective medical treatment, that reduce harm or prevent disability after injury (adverse event) occurs and that are aimed at reducing the harm or preventing disability
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
An anxiety disorder that develops after a profoundly shocking or frightening event, such as rape, severe beating, war, or natural disaster; symptoms may include flashbacks to the event, hyperactivity and hypervigilance, displaced anger, sleeplessness, nightmares, sudden terror or anxiety, and confusion between fantasy and reality
Permanency planning
An effort by child-welfare authorities to find a long-term living situation that will provide stability and support for a maltreated child; a goal is to avoid repeated changes of caregiver or school, which can be harmful to the child
What motor skills do most 6 year olds possess?
Can ride tricycles, climb ladders, pump legs on swings, and throw, catch, and kick balls
Four year olds motor skills developmental milestones
Catch a beach ball (bc bigger), use scissors, hop on either foot, feed, feed self with fork, dress self, copy most letters, pour liquid without spilling, brush teeth (but parent does follow up)
Visual cortex (on occipital lobe)
Conscious processing of sights CC
Auditory cortex (on temporal lobe)
Conscious processing of sounds CC
Cerebellum
Coordinates voluntary movement and balance
What are frequent allergies of children and what percent have them?
Cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish; 3-8%
Child abuse
Deliberate action that impairs a child's physical, emotional, or sexual well-being
Six year olds motor skills developmental milestones
Draw and paint recognizable images, write simple words, read a page of print, tie shoes, catch a small ball
Child neglect
Failure to meet a child's basic physical, educational, or emotional needs
Age related dangers and their injury control (harm reduction)
Falls-> safety surfaces Motor- vehicle deaths->car seats/bike helmets Poison-> safety containers for medicines Fire Drowning-> pool monitoring *Falls more fatal under 2 and over 80, motor-vehicle deaths 15-25, in early childhood majorly poison, fire, or drowning
Child maltreatment: Secondary prevention
Focus on identifying and intervening; insecure attachment
Child maltreatment: Tertiary prevention
Focus on limiting harm after maltreatment
Child maltreatment: Primary prevention
Focus on macrosystem and exosystem; stable neighborhood, family cohesion, decreasing financial instability, family isolation, and teenage parenthood
Where does the center of body change to and from with young child?
From breastbone down to belly button
Do children need more or less calories per pound of body weight than infants?
Less
Lateralization
Literally, "sidedness," referring to the specialization in certain functions by each side of the brain, with one side dominant for each activity; the left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and vice versa; one side dominant for each activity
Reported maltreatment
Harm or endangerment about which someone has notified the authorities
Substantiated maltreatment
Harm or endangerment that has been reported, investigated, and verified
Child maltreatment
Intentional harm to, or avoidable endangerment of, anyone under 18 years of age
Three year olds motor skills developmental milestones
Kick and throw ball, jump with both feet, pedal tricycle, copy simple shapes, walk down stairs, climb ladders
Pituitary
Master endocrine gland
What is overfeeding associated with?
Obesity and is causing an epidemic of illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes
Why are low-income kids more vulnerable to obesity?
Parents scared they will be undernourished so rely on fast foods and lots of them
Handedness
Partly genetic; 1 in 10 children prefers left hand; many cultures support on right-handedness (difference- equals-deficit error)
Limbic system
Parts of the brain that are crucial in the expression and regulation of emotions
Spinal cord
Pathway for neural fibers traveling to and from brain; controls simple reflexes
Prefrontal cortex (outer layers)
Perform brain's "executive functions"- planning, selecting, and coordinating thoughts CC
Injury control/harm reduction
Practices that are aimed at anticipating, controlling, and preventing dangerous activities; these practices reflect the beliefs that accidents are not random and that injuries can be made less harmful if proper controls are in place
Thalamus
Relays messages between lower brain centers and cerebral cortex
Increased risks and benefits of early traumatic or stressful events
Risks: -permanent learning and memory deficits related to toxic stress -later major depression. PTSD, and ADHD Benefits: -cognitive and memory growth with reassuring adults -context duration, parental support, and child temperament are important
Two year olds motor skills developmental milestones
Run without falling, climb out of crib, walk up stairs, feed self with spoon, draw spirals
Five year olds motor skills developmental milestones
Skip and gallop in rhythm, clap, bang, sing in rhythm, copy difficult shapes and letters, climb trees, jump over things, use knife to cut, wash face and comb hair
Impulse control
The ability to postpone or deny the immediate response to an idea or behavior; jump from task to task, cannot stay quiet; caused by immaturity in prefrontal cortex
Myelination
The process by which axons become coated with myelin, a fatty substance that speeds the transmission of nerve impulses from neuron to neuron; primary reason for faster thinking is new and extensive; gradual increase makes 6 year olds quicker than 3 year olds; age-related slow downs in adulthood are caused by gradual disappearance of myelin layers
Perseveration
The tendency to persevere in, or stick to, one thought or action for a long time; caused by immaturity in prefrontal cortex
Cerebral cortex (outer layers)
Ultimate control and info-processing center CC
