Compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns. Describe and apply the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns as it applies to toddlers.
Instructions:
Word limit 500 words. Please make sure to provide citations and references (in APA, 7th ed. format) for your work.
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Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns provide a comprehensive framework for assessing the health and development of individuals, including toddlers. This model includes eleven categories that help in understanding various aspects of health and behavior. This analysis will compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns.
Toddler 1: 12 Months Old
Health Perception-Health Management
At 12 months, toddlers are becoming more aware of their bodies and begin to develop a sense of independence. Parents play a crucial role in managing their health by ensuring regular medical check-ups and vaccinations (Jarvis, 2020).
Nutritional-Metabolic Pattern
A 12-month-old typically transitions from breast milk or formula to whole milk and solid foods. They need a balanced diet to support rapid growth and development (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Elimination Pattern
By this age, toddlers have regular bowel movements and may show signs of readiness for toilet training, although this process usually starts later (McKinney et al., 2018).
Activity-Exercise Pattern
A 12-month-old is usually starting to walk with support and can grasp and manipulate objects. They enjoy play that involves exploration and movement (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Sleep-Rest Pattern
Toddlers at this age typically sleep through the night and take one to two naps during the day, requiring about 11-14 hours of sleep in total (Jarvis, 2020).
Cognitive-Perceptual Pattern
At 12 months, cognitive development is marked by the beginning of object permanence and basic problem-solving skills. They can follow simple commands and understand basic words (McKinney et al., 2018).
Self-Perception-Self-Concept Pattern
A 12-month-old is developing a sense of self and shows distinct preferences for people and toys. They may start to experience separation anxiety (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Roles-Relationships Pattern
The primary relationship is with parents or caregivers. Social interactions are usually limited to close family members (McKinney et al., 2018).
Sexuality-Reproductive Pattern
At this age, exploration of the body is purely sensory and not sexual. Understanding of gender roles is non-existent (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Coping-Stress Tolerance Pattern
Toddlers rely on caregivers for comfort and may show distress through crying or tantrums. They are beginning to learn self-soothing techniques (Jarvis, 2020).
Values-Beliefs Pattern
Values and beliefs are primarily influenced by parents and caregivers. Toddlers learn through observation and mimicry (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Toddler 2: 24 Months Old
Health Perception-Health Management
At 24 months, toddlers are more independent and begin to understand basic health practices like handwashing. Parents still manage most health-related tasks (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Nutritional-Metabolic Pattern
A 24-month-old eats a variety of solid foods and drinks from a cup. They can be picky eaters, making balanced nutrition challenging (McKinney et al., 2018).
Elimination Pattern
Many toddlers begin toilet training at this age. They can communicate the need to use the toilet but may still have occasional accidents (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Activity-Exercise Pattern
A 24-month-old is usually very active, running, climbing, and playing. They develop fine motor skills, such as drawing with crayons (Jarvis, 2020).
Sleep-Rest Pattern
Toddlers of this age typically sleep through the night and take one nap during the day. Consistent sleep routines are important for their development (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Cognitive-Perceptual Pattern
Cognitive abilities at 24 months include a growing vocabulary, the ability to follow two-step instructions, and the beginning of symbolic play (McKinney et al., 2018).
Self-Perception-Self-Concept Pattern
At this age, toddlers have a stronger sense of self and often use the word “no” to assert independence. They may also show pride in their accomplishments (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Roles-Relationships Pattern
Social interactions expand to include peers. Toddlers begin to engage in parallel play and develop friendships (McKinney et al., 2018).
Sexuality-Reproductive Pattern
Body exploration continues, and they may start to identify as a boy or girl based on external characteristics (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Coping-Stress Tolerance Pattern
Two-year-olds can express a wider range of emotions and may have temper tantrums when frustrated. They start to develop coping mechanisms such as seeking comfort from a favorite toy (Jarvis, 2020).
Values-Beliefs Pattern
Values and beliefs are still largely influenced by family. Toddlers learn about acceptable behaviors through parental guidance and reinforcement (Hockenberry & Wilson, 2019).
Conclusion
Comparing a 12-month-old and a 24-month-old toddler reveals significant developmental differences. While both ages are marked by rapid growth, the older toddler shows more advanced cognitive, motor, and social skills. Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns provide a structured way to assess these developmental milestones and offer insight into the evolving needs of toddlers as they grow.
References
Hockenberry, M. J., & Wilson, D. (2019). Wong’s nursing care of infants and children. Elsevier.
Jarvis, C. (2020). Physical examination & health assessment. Elsevier.
McKinney, E. S., James, S. R., Murray, S. S., Nelson, K. A., & Ashwill, J. W. (2018). Maternal-child nursing. Elsevier.