chapter 8 Flashcards
Brain plasticity
ensures that child will acquire certain abilities even if some brain areas are damaged, declines as synaptic pruning occurs
Approximately (%) how much of a child’s brain development happens before 5?
90%
hippocampus
inner-brain structure that plays a vital role in memory and spatial understanding
amygdala
inner-brain structure that processes novelty and emotional information
What are the main influences on physical growth and health?
-heredity and hormones
-emotional well-being
-sleep habits and problems
-nutrition
-infectious disease
-childhood injuries
How does social environment influence food choices and nutrition during early childhood?
-children imitate food choices of other people they admire
-unpressured exposure increases acceptance
-emotional climate has powerful impact
-restriction increases desire for foods
-poverty may limit access to high-quality food
What is intuitive eating and why is it important?
-honor hunger, feelings without using food, and health
-respect fullness and body
-discover the satisfaction factor
How can parents encourage good nutrition?
-offer varied & healthy diet, predictable meals & several snacks daily, healthy new foods repeatedly and patiently
-serve small portions, allow child to have seconds
-keep mealtimes pleasant and noncoercive
-avoid using food as a reward or restricting access to certain foods
What are the major reasons infants and preschoolers are not fully immunized?
-low-income families lack health insurance coverage or primary-care physician
-some parents believe the link between vaccination and autism
-public education on immunization is badly needed
What two factors influence individual differences that are related to childhood injuries?
gender and temperament
Parents overestimate children’s knowledge of safety rules rather than doing what?
monitoring and controlling access to hazards
What can parents/caregivers do to reduce injuries?
age appropriate supervision, know child’s temperament, eliminate dangers, restrain child in backseat, safety with playgrounds, water, and animals
What are the sex differences in motor skills in early childhood?
-boys: ahead in skills requiring power and force
-girls: advantaged in fine-motor skills and skills requiring good balance and good foot movement
