DEC 1004: Development and Learning Process of Children Part 1
Tutorial: Discuss the following factors responsible for the variation in height and weight in children.
Genetics
One can separate genetic effect from environmental effects by correlating genetic similarity between relatives (twin, siblings, parents and offspring) with their similarity in height and weight because different ethnic populations have different genetic backgrounds and live in different environments, however, height and weight can vary from one population to another and even from men to women.
Nutrition
Food and Food Habits The body needs different kinds of nutrients for growth, energy and repair. The body needs different nutrients; carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water. Carbohydrates and fats provide the body with the energy needs. Proteins provide the materials for growth and repair. Vitamins and minerals keep the body in good condition. Water is essential for metabolism and for bowel movement. It also determines the amount of blood in circulation. Minerals are nutrients that are needed for building strong bones and teeth, for helping the nerves work, for regulating growth and for the clotting of blood. Metabolism refers to all the activities going on in the cells so that they can absorb food and produce energy. It is important to practice good food habits that are necessary for one’s health. When one is healthy, he or she grows and develops fast.
Gender
During infancy and childhood, girls and boys have similar body proportion. As the time when they reached the puberty, growths proceed in the reverse direction. The hands, legs and feet accelerate first, follow by the torso, which accounts for most of the adolescent height gain. Boys experiencing increased skeletal and muscle mass but girls a gain in fat, this life stage has been seen as key for the development of girls body dissatisfaction and associated problems such as lowered self esteem and eating...