Understanding personal development and relationships

1. 3 Understanding personal development and relationships Unit © Harcourt Education Limited 2002

2. Human growth and development Growth means an increase in physical size Development means an increase in skills, abilities and emotions

3. The Five Main Life Stages Infancy (0 – 3 years) Childhood (4 – 10 years) Adolescence ( 11 – 18 years) Adulthood (19 – 65 years ) Later adulthood (65 + )

4. The PIES Circle

5. Nature versus Nurture Every person is unique. Everyone is biologically different from every other human being. A person’s characteristicsare features of the person that determine the way he or she looks, behaves, feels and thinks. There has always been a lot of debate as to whether our characteristics are because of nature or nurture. Nature – qualities we are born with that make us what we are Nurture – how we are influenced when we are young by the environment around us, including other people

6. Ben and Jonathan Ben and Jonathon are twin brothers. They were only three months old when their parents were killed in a car crash. As they had no other family members to look after them, they were put up for adoption. Two different families adopted them and as they were so young they were not told about the fact that each had a twin brother for many years. A couple that lived in London adopted Ben. Ben’s father was very ambitious and had a job in a London bank. He worked very long hours and earned a good salary. His mother returned to work when Ben was four. She was a solicitor for a large firm in the City of London. Ben was encouraged to work hard at school. He was taken on expensive holidays and by the time he was sixteen, he had visited many different places around the world. After he finished school, he went to University. He then got a job in a City firm, selling stocks and shares. He soon earned a good salary and was able to buy his own flat in the centre of London. He still enjoyed his holidays and tried to combine foreign travel with sporting activities like sailing or skiing. A couple from the Midlands adopted Jonathon. His father was a teacher. His mother did not work until Jonathon was seven, when she returned to work as a nurse at the local hospital. His parents were keen churchgoers and Jonathon was confirmed when he was ten years old. Every year, his parents became involved in fundraising for a local charity. Jonathon was encouraged to help them. He worked hard at school and after going to University, decided that he wanted to be a social worker, working with children. Around this time, his parents told him that he had a twin brother. Jonathon enjoyed his work as a social worker. He remained a member of the Church and eventually married a girl who was also a churchgoer. Through his job as a social worker, he knew how to trace his twin. He eventually tracked down his brother and shortly after their thirtieth birthday, they met. Ben and Jonathon meet for the first time in thirty years It was a strange experience for both of them. They looked alike although Ben’s hair was a lot shorter than Jonathon's. They discovered that they both supported the same football team and enjoyed reading historical novels. They had both had measles and each had a birthmark on their left hand. The meeting passed very quickly and they made arrangements to contact each other again. It had been a very happy, if unusual afternoon.

7. New born Primitive reflexes only. Can see, smell, taste, hear, feel pain. Startled by loud, sudden noises. Cries when hungry or wet. Sleeps for much of the day and night, aware of surroundings and people when awake.

8. Three months Makes a wider variety of sounds. Watches movement of own hands. Recognises main carer’s voice before being touched. Turns to sounds that he recognises. Coos and smiles a lot. Enjoys bath and caring routines, e.g. feeding, cuddling.

9. Six months If held securely, can bear her own weight. Responds to own name and different tones in carer’s voice. Makes a wide variety of sounds. Screams when annoyed. Takes everything into her mouth. Tries to help (patting bottle) when being fed.

10. Nine months Noises he makes begin to sound like words. Very aware of his surroundings. Looks for fallen toy in the right direction. Understands ‘no’ and ‘bye bye’. Makes sounds, listens and then makes sounds again. A strong bond should now be established between the child and the carer – the attachment relationship. Holds own bottle or cup to try and feed. Plays ‘peek-a-boo’.

11. One year old Drinks from a cup with help. Watches things that are happening intently. Imitates adult enthusiastically. Understands simple instructions. Has three or more words. Points out objects. Likes to be within sight of adults he knows, can show affection by hugs, etc. Waves ‘bye bye’ when asked. Doesn’t put objects in his mouth as much as before.

12. Eighteen months Begin to use pencils and can ‘draw’ on paper. Can walk downstairs. Can roll and throw a ball. Has a vocabulary of about 15 words. Interested in his image in the mirror. Can be clingy to main carer because he doesn’t like separation from carer. Feeds himself. Cries when left with people he doesn’t know.

13. Two/three years Can ride on a sit-on toy. Uses two word sentences. Has a vocabulary of 200 words. Begins to ask questions. Beginning to be dry and free of nappies. Does opposite of what he is told. Throws tantrums when he doesn’t get his own way – ‘the terrible twos’. Does not like separation from parents. Expresses violent emotions. Copies actions of parents. Plays alongside other children – parallel play. Tends to be possessive with toys, he is not yet able to share.

14. Four/five years Dresses herself, drawings become more complicated. Talks clearly, uses basic grammar. Feels proud of her achievements, helps to develop high self-esteem. Plays with other children, becoming competitive. Games are linked to the child’s sex.

15. Eight/nine years Body movements become smoother. Sports skills improve. Handwriting instead of printing of letters. Can tell the time. Knows the date and has an understanding of time in the future. Can multiply and divide and do everyday sums. Needs the approval of others. Tends to hero-worship people. Gaining independence from parents/carers, likes to show that she is an individual. Tends to play in same sex groups. Joins clubs and teams.

16. Ten + years Good gross and fine motor control. Writes for long periods with good speed. Interested in world affairs. Continued improvement in Maths and English. Seeks more independence. Understands honesty and fairness. More understanding of the relationships of others. Attitudes and opinions of the peer group become increasingly important. Same sex friendships.

17. Physical changes in adolescence • Gains weight • Grows body hair • Penis and testicles develop • Voice ‘breaks’ • Shoulders broaden • Skin and hair change • Becomes taller Male changes Female changes • Gains weight • Grows body hair • Periods start • Breasts develop • Shape changes • Skin and hair change • Becomes taller