8 Factors that Affect the Growth and Development of Your Child

 

From the time a child is born, they embark on a journey of growth and development influenced by many factors.

Though we may know these factors the stress and busyness of our lives, coupled with the many struggles of raising our children can make most of us confused when it comes to knowing what is right and most important for the development of the young child.

So, whenever you find yourself thinking about the things you need to keep in mind to ensure your children grow up to be healthy and well-honed for society, here are 8 factors that affect the growth and development of the child.

But firstly, what does growth and development mean and why is it important?

What is Growth and Development?

Although growth and development may be used interchangeably, they mean different things biologically.

Growth is defined as the incremental changes in physical characteristics such as height, weight, size, etc.

In contrast, Development can be defined as qualitative changes to growth in an orderly and meaningful fashion, resulting in maturity.

These two, work together and occur at the same time.

Why is the development of a child important?

The proper development of a child is very crucial as it lays the foundation for their future success and well-being.

During the early years of a child’s life, their brain undergoes rapid development, and their experiences during this critical time shape the trajectory of their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

What are the 8 Factors that Affect the Growth and Development of Children?

   1. Genetics

   

   Genetics is one factor that affects our children without any interference, be it the physical aspects such as height, weight, body texture, eye colour, or even physical and mental aptitude that are naturally transferred from the parents to their children. This also includes any negative physical aspects such as the presence of any diseases.

 

Therefore, it is important to know your body as a parent and nourish your children accordingly to rectify or reverse those conditions through lifestyle modifications, if possible.

     2. Environmental factors

     Environmental factors, like the geographical location and physical surroundings or the mental and emotional surroundings of the child, can have a huge effect on the growth and development of the young child.

 

It is important to remember that the kind of environment you create for young children during their developing years is the kind of environment they will unconsciously engage in all their lives.

 

So, it is always best to constantly check the kind of environment you create for your child.

     3. Gender

     Gender affects each one of us differently.

 For example, during puberty, a girl and a boy will differ growing up with regards to their physical and mental development either consciously or not.

 

Their temperaments, choices, and behaviours will be different, which is why it is important to teach them moral values that will help them live a more gender-inclusive life and to nip in the bud any behaviour that doesn’t reflect gender inclusively.

     4. Physical and Mental Wellness

     We are well aware of how physical and mental wellness affects our children.

A healthy lifestyle that includes a moderate amount of sports, exercise, and mentally stimulating activities such as educational toys can contribute greatly to their growth and development.

     5. Nutrition

    Nutrition is a key factor that affects growth in children.

As parents, we need to pay utmost attention to the intake of vital nutrients, especially the foods that attract children such as soda, chocolates, etc.\

 

It is not bad to treat them to such goodies once in a while but it is important to look at their diet as a building block of habits for their future selves.

 

If they develop the habit of eating healthy while growing up, it will not only affect their growth and development positively, it will also follow them into adulthood.

      6. Family and Social Interactions

    The family environment and social interactions a child has contributed greatly to their growth and development.

 

What they learn about relationships from their immediate surroundings, such as families and friends will greatly help them throughout their lives.

 

So, ensure you surround them with the right kind of social surroundings, take an interest in their lives when they talk about their friends, encourage them to maintain good relationships, and teach them to cut off bad relationships.

       7. Education

   

It goes without saying, that the kind of education your child receives will greatly affect his growth and development.

 

This applies not only to the education they receive at school but what they also learn at home.

        8. Play

  

As much as education is important for the growth of your child, so also is play.

You need to create an environment that allows them to play and be as creative as they can, apart from all the studying at school.

 

Playing outdoors will also contribute to their physical growth and well-being, and not only educational games.

In conclusion, many factors affect the growth and development of a child.

It is important, therefore, to be mindful of the kind of environment you are creating for them and at home.

In as much as you can’t control how nature affects the growth and development of your child, what you can control is how you nurture them in your house.

Apart from getting the right amount of physical nutrition and mental stimulation, ensure they receive the love and affection they need from you as parents or guardians to grow up to be healthy, kind, and loving individuals.

Dr. Favvy

What other factors do you know can affect the growth and development of a child?

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Disclaimer

The information on this blog is just for educational purposes only.

It should not be used as a replacement for the medical care and advise of your child’s pediatrician.

Always consult your pharmacist before giving your child any drug.