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.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Growth and Development Patterns in Toddlers: A Comparison using Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns
Introduction
Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a comprehensive framework for assessing an individual’s health status across various domains. When applied to toddlers of different ages, these patterns can help us understand and compare their growth and developmental patterns. In this essay, we will compare and contrast the growth and developmental patterns of two toddlers of different ages using Gordon’s functional health patterns. We will describe and apply the components of Gordon’s functional health patterns as they apply to toddlers.
Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns
Health Perception-Health Management Pattern:
This pattern focuses on how the toddler and their caregiver perceive and manage their health.
For a younger toddler (around 12 months), the caregiver primarily manages their health by ensuring proper nutrition, vaccinations, and regular check-ups.
An older toddler (around 24 months) may start showing signs of independence and may become more aware of their own health, such as expressing preferences for certain foods or understanding basic hygiene practices.
Nutritional-Metabolic Pattern:
This pattern examines the toddler’s nutritional status, eating habits, and metabolic functions.
A younger toddler may still be transitioning from breast milk or formula to solid foods, with a focus on introducing a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
An older toddler may have a more varied diet, with preferences and dislikes emerging. They may also start expressing independence in feeding themselves.
Elimination Pattern:
This pattern focuses on the toddler’s bowel and bladder function.
Both toddlers should have a regular pattern of urination and bowel movements, although the frequency and consistency may vary.
Caregivers need to ensure proper toilet training for older toddlers and monitor any signs of constipation or urinary issues.
Activity-Exercise Pattern:
This pattern assesses the toddler’s physical activity level and motor skills development.
Younger toddlers are likely to be more explorative, crawling or starting to take their first steps.
Older toddlers should be more physically active, running, climbing, jumping, and refining their motor skills.
Sleep-Rest Pattern:
This pattern examines the toddler’s sleep patterns and quality of rest.
Both age groups require around 12-14 hours of sleep per day, including naps.
The sleep routine may become more structured for older toddlers, with established bedtimes and nap times.
Cognitive-Perceptual Pattern:
This pattern evaluates the toddler’s cognitive development, sensory abilities, and language skills.
Younger toddlers may engage in simple object permanence games or babble words.
Older toddlers should have an expanded vocabulary, improved problem-solving skills, and increased curiosity about their environment.
Self-Perception-Self-Concept Pattern:
This pattern explores how the toddler perceives themselves and their self-concept.
Younger toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of self but may still rely heavily on their caregiver for emotional support.
Older toddlers may show signs of independence and self-awareness, developing a sense of confidence and autonomy.
Roles-Relationships Pattern:
This pattern assesses the toddler’s interactions with family members and peers.
Younger toddlers tend to have closer relationships with immediate family members.
Older toddlers begin to engage in parallel play with peers, developing social skills and forming relationships outside the immediate family.
Sexuality-Reproductive Pattern:
This pattern is not applicable to toddlers due to their age and stage of development.
Coping-Stress Tolerance Pattern:
This pattern evaluates how the toddler copes with stressors and manages emotions.
Both age groups may exhibit tantrums when facing frustration or difficulty in expressing their emotions effectively.
Older toddlers may start showing signs of developing coping mechanisms, such as seeking comfort from caregivers or engaging in self-soothing activities.
Values-Beliefs Pattern:
This pattern is not fully developed in toddlers due to their limited understanding of abstract concepts such as values and beliefs.
Conclusion
Gordon’s functional health patterns provide a valuable framework for assessing and comparing the growth and developmental patterns of toddlers of different ages. By applying these patterns, we can gain insights into various aspects of a toddler’s health, including their perception of health, nutrition, elimination patterns, activity levels, sleep routines, cognitive development, self-perception, relationships, coping mechanisms, and values. Understanding these patterns helps caregivers and healthcare professionals ensure optimal growth and development in toddlers at different stages of their early childhood.
