Comparison and Contrast of the Growth and Developmental Patterns of Two Toddlers of Different Ages Using Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns

Toddler 1: 12 months old

Toddler 2: 36 months old

Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns

• Health Perception and Health Management: At 12 months old, toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of self and their own bodies. They may be able to identify some of their body parts and may start to understand the concept of pain. However, they still rely on their caregivers to manage their health and well-being. At 36 months old, toddlers have a better understanding of their bodies and their health needs. They may be able to dress themselves, brush their teeth, and wash their hands. They may also be able to identify and communicate their basic needs, such as when they are hungry, thirsty, or tired.
• Nutritional-Metabolic: At 12 months old, toddlers are still transitioning from a milk-based diet to a solid food diet. They should be eating a variety of nutritious foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. At 36 months old, toddlers are more independent eaters and should be able to feed themselves. They should continue to eat a variety of nutritious foods, but their portion sizes will be larger.
• Elimination: By 12 months old, most toddlers have developed regular bowel and bladder habits. However, they may still have accidents, especially during the day. At 36 months old, toddlers are more likely to be toilet trained and should be able to control their bladder and bowels during the day.
• Activity and Exercise: Toddlers are very active and need plenty of opportunities to move around. At 12 months old, toddlers are developing their gross motor skills and are able to walk, climb, and throw. At 36 months old, toddlers have more developed gross motor skills and are able to run, jump, and catch a ball. They are also developing their fine motor skills and are able to use crayons, markers, and other small objects.
• Sleep and Rest: Toddlers need about 12-14 hours of sleep per day. At 12 months old, toddlers are typically taking two naps per day. At 36 months old, toddlers may still be taking one nap per day, but their total sleep needs remain the same.
• Cognition and Perception: Toddlers are rapidly developing their cognitive and perceptual skills. At 12 months old, toddlers are beginning to understand object permanence, which is the concept that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen or heard. They are also developing their language skills and are able to say a few words. At 36 months old, toddlers have a better understanding of object permanence and their language skills are more developed. They are able to speak in short sentences and understand a wide range of vocabulary.
• Self-Perception and Self-Esteem: Toddlers are beginning to develop a sense of self and their own abilities. At 12 months old, toddlers are starting to understand that they are separate from their caregivers. They are also beginning to develop their own preferences. At 36 months old, toddlers have a better understanding of their own abilities and limitations. They are also more aware of their own emotions and the emotions of others.
• Role-Relationship: Toddlers have close relationships with their caregivers. At 12 months old, toddlers are developing a sense of attachment to their caregivers. They also enjoy interacting with other toddlers and adults. At 36 months old, toddlers are more independent and may start to explore their environment on their own. They also enjoy playing with other toddlers and may start to make friends.
• Sexuality: Toddlers are curious about their bodies and their sexuality. At 12 months old, toddlers may start to explore their genitals. At 36 months old, toddlers may be more interested in their sexuality and may ask questions about their bodies and how babies are made.
• Coping and Stress Tolerance: Toddlers are still developing their coping skills. At 12 months old, toddlers may react to stress with tantrums or crying. At 36 months old, toddlers are better able to cope with stress and may use calming strategies such as taking deep breaths or counting to ten.
• Value-Belief: Toddlers are beginning to develop their own values and beliefs. At 12 months old, toddlers are learning about right and wrong from their caregivers. At 36 months old, toddlers are more aware of their own values and beliefs and may start to question the values and beliefs of others.

Application of Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns to Toddlers

Gordon’s functional health patterns can be used to assess the health and well-being of toddlers. For example, a healthcare provider may ask the following questions to assess