REFLECTION: Factors affecting growth and development

The process of human growth and development is described by various set of

principles. These principles explain typical development as a predictable and orderly
process. Therefore we can easily foretell how most children will develop even though
there are differences in children’s qualities, behavior, activity levels, and timing of
developmental milestones. To understand human growth and development, we need to
understand nature and nurture, and the relationship between the two. Having a good
understanding of what children need at each stage of their growth and development
helps us raise them better.

The Factors Which Influence Human Growth and Development. The Nutrition,
growth is directly related with nutrition. The human body requires an adequate supply
of calories for its normal growth and this need of requirements vary with the phase of
development. Hormones, these hormones play an important role in regulating the
process of growth and development. Race, racial factors also influence height, weight,
color, features, and body constitution of a human being. Heredity and genes certainly
play an important role in the transmission of physical and social characteristics from
parents to off-springs. And last is the Sex it is very important factor which influences
human growth and development. There is lot of difference in growth and development
between girls and boys. Physical growth of girls in teens is faster than boys. Overall the
body structure and growth of girls are different from boys.

Nature also contributes much to the growth and development of children, nurture
contributes much more. Some of these factors may not be controllable, and you’ll have
to make do with what you have. But there are certain things you can definitely ensure
for your child. This includes ensuring that your child gets enough rest every day, because
his development is heavily dependent on the amount of sleep he gets. Pay close
attention to your child’s nutritional and exercise levels, as these too play an important
role in promoting your child’s timely and healthy growth and development.