Ch. 15Meeting Physical Needs

Objectives:• Compare and contrast growth patterns at different

stages of childhood•Demonstrate ways of promoting good nutrition with

children of various ages•Suggest activities for helping children develop large

and small motor skills•Recommend techniques for teaching children personal

hygiene skills•Select appropriate clothing for children

The Growing Child• Children may grow differently, as long as the

fall within the average range, there is no reason for concern

• Toddlers (1-3 years old)– Grow at rapid rate– Arms, legs, lower body lengthen– Chest becomes more prominent– Balance and posture improve

• Preschoolers (3-5 years old)– Body becomes straighter/slimmer– Abdomen flattens, shoulders widen, neck and

legs lengthen• School-Age Children (6-10 years old)

– Weight and height gains– Growth spurts– Girls progress about 2 years ahead of boys– Legs, arms, hands, and feet usually grow

faster than anything else– Children usually look awkward and bony

Puberty

• Growth that marks when a person becomes physically and sexually mature

• Females = breast develop, body fat increases, menstruation begins

• Males = genitals grow larger, muscles develop, facial and body hair begins to grow

• Children often embarrassed by the changes that occur

• Provide love, compliments

Providing Good Nutrition

• Proper nourishment is essential for physical development of children

• Healthy diet provides energy for growth, daily activity, and resistance to illness

• Children need recommended servings from the Food Guide Pyramid daily

Self-Feeding

• Reckless at first• Small spoon, small

foods, 2 handle cups, plastic plates/bowls

• High chair away from walls and non-washable furniture

• Fill cups only ¼ full• Plan bath time after

meal

Serving Appropriate Amounts

• One tablespoon per age is recommended• As much as the child wants is also appropriate• Making children clean their plate encourages

them to eat more than they need• Remember toddlers are exploring the power of

the word “no”• Don’t ask “do you want some carrots?”, rather

say “here are your carrots, see if you can get them on your spoon”

• Children find playtime more interesting than eating, however they need reminders to stop for snacks

Introducing New Foods

• Serve separately• Mildly flavored and

seasoned lightly• Served at room

temperature

Encourage Wise Food Choices

• Provide nutritious snacks• Teach by setting an

example• Space snacks between

meals• Involve the child in

helping you prepare meals

• Talk about nutrition with your child

• Find children’s books about food

Promoting Motor Skills

• Children don’t have “off” switches

• Exercise is essential for children gaining coordination, balance, and muscular strength

• Motor skill development is not automatic

• Children need opportunities for flourishing physically

• See Page 308 for Average Motor Development Stages

Large Motor Skills

• Walking, climbing, running• Parents need to provide children with greater

challenges – swimming, skating, catching, throwing, riding bikes

Small Motor Skills

• Use small muscles– Fingers, wrists, ankles

• Eye hand coordination– Using hands/fingers precisely

• Manual dexterity– Manipulate things with their

hands with control

• Hand preference revealed– Coloring, throwing, eating– Some studies reveal hand

preference is hereditary, others suggest parents influence by placing objects in hand of child more than the other

Teaching Hygiene Skills• Practical and emotional milestone• Toileting, brushing teeth, bathing• Toileting

– Readiness means having control of bladder

– Signs of readiness: going a couple of hours without wetting diaper, complaining when they are wet, going to the potty

– Nighttime control comes with time• Bathing

– Make relaxing, make enjoyable with toys, use children’s soap/shampoo

– Never leave a child unsupervised in the tub

– Allow preschoolers to do more for themselves to teach them independence

Dental Care

• Should begin as soon as child has teeth

• Encourage flossing• Parents brush to teach

children proper technique• Use a soft child-size

brush• Small amount of

children’s toothpaste• Limit sugary foods, only

allow sugarless gum (if allowed at all)

Seeing the Dentist

• Schedule first appointment around 3rd birthday

• Ask for dentist referrals from friends/family members who are especially child friendly

• Provide “good girl/boy” incentives/rewards

Selecting Clothing

• Durability– Reinforced seams, adjustable

straps, sturdy fabrics

• Comfort– Stretchy, soft, absorbent

• Easy Care– Wash/dry, preshrunk if cotton

• Affordable– Children outgrow quickly, shop

sales, discount stores

• Child Preferable– Favorite colors, characters,

styles, friend like

• Ease of Dress– Elastic waistbands, fasteners

in front, large buttons, roomy shirts, shoes with velcro

Making Meals Count

• Plan a day’s menu for a 3 year old! Include foods for each of the following:– Breakfast– Snack– Lunch– Snack– Dinner– Snack

Keep in mind that different shapes, colors, textures add interest to a child!!

Children’s Snacks

FUN FRUIT KABOBS– http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/recipes/fruit_kabobs.h

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BERRY TASTY MUFFINS– http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/recipes/berry_muffins.

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PRETZELS– http://kidshealth.org/kid/recipes/recipes/pretzel.html