Description of Health Problems if Present

1a Describe health problems or lack of

My child, Liam is a healthy baby without many health issues. When he was three years old, he appeared quite weary. However, the doctor confirmed to me that it was just a minor issue, therefore I should not worry about it. I attribute his good health in a cultural environment where he is brought up in, which is full of balance diet food and physical activities best for growing bodies.

Ib. Discuss culture and its influence on a child’s health

According to Berk, Laura, and Meyers (127), every culture has a set of beliefs about health which assists them in explaining what leads to disease, cure and who should take part in the curing process. In my culture, people have physical activities such as playing games and walking among kids that contribute positively to their wellbeing. Most importantly, people eat in accordance with what is available in a season, which is often fresh hence accelerates children’s active physical development. Smith, Cowie, and Mark (178) say that anger control leads to healthy body development. Thus, once a child perceives a parent or a guardian who is constantly stable, adheres to healthy lifestyle choices they emulate that. Similarly, my child has emulated that from us by emulating such positive examples.

2a. Discuss how child development might be different if raised in a different culture

In case Liam was to grow up in a diverse culture, for instance, the African or Asian culture he would concentrate on working instead of focusing on school activities. He would be so close to his parents, especially his father as he endeavors to learn how to take care of family business so as one day to succeed his father. Spending time on video games, TV, books and as he would be very minimal.

3aDiscussion of social life outside home and or emotional behavior or problems

A distinctive social, as well as emotional conducts and growth often result in complexities in communicating and relating to fellow children for the entire life as said by Smith, Cowie, and Mark (174). Beckett, Chris, and Taylor (213) say that little interest, too much attachment to parents, and shyness result in a child’s poor performance. Luckily Liam does not show any signs of these complications. Therefore, it is my belief that he is having normal social and emotional development.

3b.Discussion of why or what you are doing about it

I do encourage Liam to cooperate with everyone both adults and children of his age. I am training him to have confidence in ordinary circumstance and be able to make friends with people of different categories.

4a.Discussion of changes in academic skills from age 6-8

In the book Understanding children's development by Smith, Cowie, and Mark it is stated that between ages six and eight there are a lot of changes which occur in a child’s phase of growth and development. Liam has continually shown positive feedback regarding his academic potential. While in 5th grade in his report card, Liam was described as a child who has excellent potential in language development and reading abilities. Additionally, it indicated that he is gifted in mathematics. My personal observation is showing that he is very attentive, focused and do not have any signs of atypical behavior. In any case, he shows positive changes at every level of his development.

4b discussion of difficulties and ways you are assisting your child

Smith, Cowie, and Mark (178) illustrate in details that problems in mastering academic topic or possessing below normal intelligence indicate that a child has academic problems. However, Liam does not exhibit any form of the above conditions which could attribute to poor performance.  Following school reports coupled with my personal observations, it would be appropriate to say that Liam has no difficulty associated with dyslexia and ADHD. I have contributed positively to helping Liam overcome such challenges by inviting some of his peers in my home so as he can bond well with them. Moreover, encourage him to participate in group activities to get used to working together with others.

 5a Identify two theories

Crain (126) states that every theory that tackles any topic concerning child development has both merits and drawbacks. Actually, these theories have different views concerning various issues and the manner in which a parent can manage his or her child’s growth and development. I used behaviorism and social learning theories to teach Liam good conducts and self-confidence. 5b Parenting discussion example 1

In applying behaviorism theory, when my child shows desirable behaviors, according to my expectation encourage him to keep on doing such by giving him a reward or complementing motivating words. When he does the contrary, I withdraw such rewards to punish him.

5c Parenting discussion example 2

Secondly, when applying social learning theory, I do show my child how I feel about his behaviors and how negative behaviors affect me. Besides, I use my behaviors to guide and teach him, for instance, saying thank you, please, to other people while receiving or need a favor.

5d.Discussion how each theory informed my decision

The Behaviorism theory helped me understood how research and practice contribute in determining and understanding children’s behaviors while social learning theory made me realized the process of testing and passing over effective involvements to a growing child.

Works Cited

Beckett, Chris, and Hilary Taylor. Human growth and development. Sage, 2016.

Berk, Laura E, and Adena B. Meyers. Infants, Children, and Adolescents. , 2016. Print.

Crain, William. Theories of development: Concepts and applications. Psychology Press, 2015.

Smith, Peter K., Helen Cowie, and Mark Blades. Understanding children's development. John   Wiley & Sons, 2015.