Stages of Child Development

Stages of Child Development

1. Neonatal Period (0-28 days old)

• Characteristics:

• Organs are not fully developed and must adapt to the new environment.

• Common Illnesses:

• Prenatal illnesses, congenital defects.

• Birth-related illnesses: trauma, asphyxia.

• Acquired illnesses: infections.

• Development:

• Rapid growth rate, high nutritional needs.

• Organ functions are not fully developed, reflexes are formed.

2. Breastfeeding Period (1 month – 24 months)

• Common Illnesses:

• Nutritional and digestive diseases, infections.

• Neurological and psychomotor disorders.

• Development:

• Organ functions gradually improve.

• Motor skills and language develop rapidly, forming interactions with peers.

3. Pre-school Period (1 year – 5 years)

• Common Illnesses:

• Less widespread illnesses, allergic reactions, exposure to daycare-related pathogens.

• Development:

• Organ functions are fully developed.

• Pre-pubertal period, rapid growth rate, permanent teeth.

• Cerebral cortex develops rapidly, intelligence grows, gender identity develops.

4. School Period (6 years – 12 years)

• Common Illnesses:

• Spinal deformities, dental problems, eye problems, psychological disorders.

• Development:

• Neuro-endocrine changes, secondary sexual characteristics appear.

• Psychological changes (gender identity, personality, character, etc.).

5. Puberty (10 years – 19 years)

• Common Illnesses:

• Endocrine disorders (acne, menstrual irregularities, depression, etc.).

• Development:

• Ensure adequate nutrition.

• Complete vaccination.

• Monitor developmental milestones.

6. Adolescence (13 years – 19 years)

• Common Illnesses:

• Acne, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, risky sexual behavior.

• Development:

• Identity formation, independence, peer relationships, exploration of interests and values.

7. Toddlerhood (280 days – 290 days)

• Common Illnesses:

• Respiratory infections, ear infections, gastroenteritis.

• Development:

• Walking, talking, exploration, developing fine motor skills.

8. Intrauterine Period (Conception to birth):

• Common Illnesses:

• Birth defects, genetic disorders, premature birth.

• Development:

• Fetal development from a single cell to a fully formed baby.

Note:

• In addition to the listed illnesses, children in each stage may experience other illnesses depending on their health status and living environment.

• Monitoring and caring for children’s health in each stage is crucial to ensure their healthy development.

• In addition to health monitoring, physical education, creating a favorable environment for psycho-social development is also essential, especially during the breastfeeding and pre-school periods.

Please provide more information about common illnesses during adolescence, toddlerhood, and the intrauterine period to make this article more comprehensive.