Chapter VI.
Child Development
Learning outcomes:
By the end of this chapter, the learners should be able to:
a. identify the interplay of genetic, nutritional, environmental, and socio-emotional factors that
contribute to child development
b. describe expected physical (gross and fine motor), cognitive (sensory, language, and problem-
solving), and social-emotional milestones for children from infancy through early childhood.
c. provide evidence-based anticipatory guidance and educational support for healthy child
development, including basic screening observations and knowing when to refer for specialized
assessment.
Eva Felipe Dimog
Faculty member, College of Health Sciences, Ifugao State University-Lamut Campus
Nayon, Lamut, Ifugao
evafelipedimog@[Link]
Topics
[Link] influencing child growth and development
[Link] development
[Link] development
[Link] stages and milestones of child development
[Link] and support for child development
Background
▪ Child development is a continuous, predictable, and orderly process through which
children acquire skills, knowledge, and behaviors necessary for living and adapting
in their environment.
▪ Understanding child development helps midwives and other health professionals
recognize normal patterns of growth, detect developmental delays early, and guide
parents in nurturing their children effectively.
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A. Factors Influencing Child Growth and Development
1. Genetic Factors
▪ Genetic inheritance determines the potential for growth (e.g., height, body build,
metabolism) and influences temperament, intelligence, and personality traits.
▪ Chromosomal abnormalities (e.g., Down syndrome, Turner syndrome) can affect
development.
▪ Genetic predisposition interacts with environmental factors to shape outcomes
(nature vs. nurture).
2. Nutritional Factors
▪ Adequate nutrition is essential for cell growth, brain development, and immune
function.
▪ Malnutrition, especially during the first 1,000 days of life (conception to age 2), can
cause stunted growth, delayed milestones, and impaired cognitive development.
▪ Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months provides optimal nutrition and
promotes bonding.
A. Factors Influencing Child Growth and Development
3. Environmental Factors
▪ Physical environment: sanitation, housing, exposure to toxins (e.g., lead, smoke,
pesticides).
▪ Access to health care services, immunization, and early stimulation.
▪ Safe and stimulating environments encourage exploration and learning.
▪ Socioeconomic conditions influence opportunities for education and nutrition.
4. Socio-Emotional and Cultural Factors
▪ Parenting style affects emotional security and self-esteem.
▪ Secure attachment leads to healthy emotional and social development.
▪ Cultural practices influence child-rearing beliefs (e.g., feeding, discipline, play).
▪ Community and peer interactions contribute to social skills and identity formation.
5. Health and Disease Factors
▪ Chronic illnesses (e.g., congenital heart disease, infections) can impede growth
and development.
▪ Recurrent infections and inadequate health care access delay milestones.
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B. Physical Development
▪ Physical development refers to changes in body size, proportions, appearance, and
motor skills.
1. Principles of Physical Development
▪ Cephalocaudal: Development proceeds from head to toe (head control → trunk →
legs).
▪ Proximodistal: Development progresses from the center outward (shoulder →
hand → fingers).
▪ Simple to complex: Basic movements develop before complex ones (grasping
before writing).
2. Components of Physical Development
▪ Gross motor skills: Large muscle movements such as sitting, standing, walking,
running, jumping.
▪ Fine motor skills: Small muscle coordination such as grasping, drawing, writing,
self-feeding.
▪ Sensory development: Vision, hearing, taste, smell, and touch refine perception
and learning.
B. Physical Development
3. Examples of Motor Development Milestones
Age Gross Motor Fine Motor
1 month Head lag when pulled to sit Hands fisted
3 months Holds head up Grasps rattle briefly
6 months Rolls over Reaches and grasps objects
9 months Sits without support Transfers objects hand to hand
12 months Walks with support Pincer grasp develops
2 years Runs, climbs stairs Builds tower of 4–6 blocks
3 years Jumps with both feet Draws a circle
4 years Hops on one foot Draws a person with 2–4 parts
5 years Skips, balances Prints some letters and numbers
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C. Cognitive Development
▪ Cognitive development involves how children think, reason, and understand the
world.
1. Jean Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
Stage Age Description
Learning through senses and motor
Sensorimotor Birth–2 years
activity; object permanence develops
Use of symbols and language;
Preoperational 2–7 years
egocentric thinking
Logical thinking about concrete
Concrete Operational 7–11 years events; understands conservation and
reversibility
Abstract reasoning and problem-
Formal Operational 12 years and above
solving abilities develop
1. Jean Piaget’s Stages of Cognitive Development
2. Language Development
▪ 2 months: cooing
▪ 6 months: babbling
▪ 12 months: first words (“mama,” “dada”)
▪ 2 years: two-word sentences
▪ 3 years: speaks in short sentences (3–4 words)
▪ 5 years: fluent conversation and storytelling
3. Cognitive Stimulation
▪ Talking, reading, and playing with children enhance language, attention, and
problem-solving.
▪ Limiting screen time promotes healthy brain development.
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D. Developmental Stages and Milestones
▪ Child development is divided into stages with distinct milestones in physical,
cognitive, and socio-emotional domains.
1. Infancy (0–1 year)
▪ Rapid physical growth; weight triples by 1 year.
▪ Learns trust through consistent caregiving (Erikson: Trust vs. Mistrust).
▪ Explores environment by crawling and grasping.
2. Toddlerhood (1–3 years)
▪ Increased independence and mobility.
▪ Learns self-control and autonomy (Erikson: Autonomy vs. Shame/Doubt).
▪ Begins symbolic play and language explosion.
3. Preschool (3–6 years)
▪ Imagination, curiosity, and initiative develop (Erikson: Initiative vs. Guilt).
▪ Improved motor coordination and self-help skills.
▪ Learns social rules through play.
D. Developmental Stages and Milestones
4. School Age (6–12 years)
▪ Logical reasoning, mastery of skills (reading, writing).
▪ Erikson: Industry vs. Inferiority — develops competence and confidence.
▪ Peer relationships become important.
5. Adolescence (12–18 years)
▪ Pubertal changes; identity formation (Erikson: Identity vs. Role
Confusion).
▪ Abstract thinking and independence from parents increase.
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E. Care and Support for Child Development
▪ As future midwives and maternal-child health advocates, your role includes
supporting healthy child development through education, assessment, and
guidance.
1. Health Promotion and Anticipatory Guidance
▪ Encourage exclusive breastfeeding and appropriate complementary
feeding.
▪ Emphasize immunization and regular growth monitoring.
▪ Promote safe play, early stimulation, and positive parenting.
▪ Discuss discipline with love and consistent routines.
▪ Guide parents to limit screen time and encourage active play.
E. Care and Support for Child Development
2. Developmental Screening and Surveillance
▪ Conduct regular developmental screening (e.g., Denver II, Philippine
ECD Checklist).
▪ Observe milestones at each child visit.
▪ Identify red flags for referral:
▪ No head control by 4 months
▪ No single words by 18 months
▪ No walking by 2 years
▪ Loss of previously acquired skills
3. Parental Support and Counseling
▪ Provide parenting education and emotional support.
▪ Encourage responsive caregiving — nurturing, consistent, and loving
interaction.
▪ Refer to specialists for developmental delays (pediatrician,
developmental specialist, speech therapist).
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Summary
▪ Child development is influenced by a combination of biological, environmental,
and social factors.
▪ It includes physical, cognitive, and emotional-social domains.
▪ Regular monitoring and early intervention ensure that every child reaches their
full potential.
▪ Midwives play a key role in educating families, detecting developmental issues,
and supporting holistic child growth.
Key Terms
▪ Developmental milestone – Observable behavior or skill achieved by most
children at a certain age.
▪ Attachment – Emotional bond between child and caregiver.
▪ Early stimulation – Activities that promote sensory and brain development.
End slide of
Chapter VI. Child Development