Exam 5: Physical Development and Health in Infancy and Toddlerhood

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One important consideration is children's need for the security,stability,and protection provided by adequate housing.Secure housing is fundamental to a secure family life and can provide a foothold for tackling other problems of poverty Evans,Lepore,Shejwal,& Palsane,1998).Along with a healthy,safe environment,children need access to play and the many supports for development that are provided by diverse,stimulating,accessible neighborhoods.To promote motor development,infants and toddlers also need an environment that encourages exploration and physical activity.They need plenty of space for rolling,scooting,and eventually crawling and walking.They need the opportunity to grasp and manipulate objects.They need to look at and reach for moving objects,such as mobiles,and to have plenty of human conversation to listen to.When these basic requirements are not met,children can be affected in every area of their development.For poor urban children in particular,the physical environment can present major problems,undermining their well-being and their prospects for the future.Even the most committed parents can be limited in their capacity to provide appropriate living conditions for their children when poverty prevents them from doing so.