SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENT

Prepared by: Aldrin A. Sinconiegue, RSW

III. Factors that Affect Growth

A. Genetic History - Genetics/Hereditary, also known as inheritance or biological

inheritance is the transmission of physical characteristics from you to your children through your
genes (the basic physical and functional unit of inheritance). Genes have an effect on most of the
physical characteristics of your child such as height, weight, body structure, and the color of their
eye, the texture of their hair, and even intelligence and aptitudes. For example, if you are tall, it
is most likely that your child will also inherit this trait and be tall.

B. Nutrition - Your child’s body needs the right amounts of nutrition to build and repair
itself. Malnutrition (lack of sufficient nutrients in the body) can cause deficiency diseases that
can adversely affect the growth and development of your child. Make sure your child eats a
balanced diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. These are
required for the development of the brain and the body.

C. Medical Condition - children born with or develop serious medical conditions can
have stunned growth if not treated. Some of these are gastrointestinal disorders such as celiac
disease; food allergies; thyroid problems; hormone deficiency.

D. Exercise - Facilitate statural growth and is a necessary stimulus for reparative growth
through its stimulatory effects on secretion of growth hormone (GH) and other anabolic
hormones.

E. Sleep - the body produces hormones that help the body grow and, throughout life,
build muscle, fight illnesses, and repair damage to the body. Growth hormone, for example, is
produced during sleep, and it is essential for growth and development.

F. Emotional Well-being - A child's emotional well-being is equally as important as their

physical health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) note that being mentally
healthy can help children to: reach emotional milestones, reach developmental milestones.