Early Childhood: Age 2 to 6 Biosocial Development

08-Early Childhood: Age 2 to 6 Biosocial Development

Body ChangesGrowthBody slims down taller & thinnerCenter of gravity lowersEnables swinging, gymnastics, etc.

NutritionOverweight children= overweight adultsDiabetesHeart disease

Cavities & gum diseaseEarly tooth decay = most common disease in young children in developed countriesHarms permanent teethJaw malformation, speechOverall healthBrain developmentMyelinationMyelin coating of axonsSpeeds brain processingFocused on the motor and sensory areas

Corpus callosumConnects right and left hemispheresIncreases communication between both sides of the brainIncreases coordinationLateralizationEach side specializing

Left hemisphere controls right sideLeft is language & speechLeft is logicalDetailed analysisDetail focusedRight hemisphere controls left sideCreativeEmotionalBig picture focusedAll thinking required both sides of the brainPrefrontal cortexExecutive brainPlanning, analyzing, prioritizingImmaturity = Impulsiveness & tendency to persevere (keep repeating)E.g. Are we there yet?Longest period of developmentMatures during adolescenceEmotionsBased on the limbic systemAmygdalaHippocampusHypothalamusAid in emotional expression and control

AmygdalaRegisters positive & negative emotionsRelated to night terrorsChildren model after parents

HippocampusMemoryCan work with amygdala to recall emotions

HypothalamusProduces hormones to activate parts of the body in response to signals from the amygdala and hippocampus.E.g. stress and the fight or flight syndrome

Motor skillsGrossLarge musclesE.g. riding a bike, swinging, kicking a ballFineSmall musclesWriting, drawing, pouring juiceGirls tend to develop 6 mos. Earlier than boys

Injuries and abuseThree levels of prevention for avoidable injuriesPrimary preventionPreventing a high risk situation from ever existingE.g. Sidewalks and overpassesSecondary preventionReducing the risk in an existing high risk situationSalt on roadsCrossing guardsTertiary preventionReducing damage after injuryEmergency room proceduresChild maltreatmentChild abuseDeliberate physical, emotional, or sexual harmChild neglectFailure to meet physical or emotional needsLaw required reporting suspected maltreatmentSymptoms of maltreatmentInjuriesFantasy play violence & sexualHostilityImpulsive reactionsE.g. CringingFear of caregiverHypervigilance