Child Assessment Essay

Child developmental assessment essay.

This essay will summarise and discuss the physical development of a six year old Maori girl called Bella (pseudonym) for anonymity. Informed consent was given by both Bella and her mother to use the information gathered in confidence. It will identify the cognitive development and social development of the child referring to middle childhood developmental theories, of Erik Erikson and Sigmund Freud. Finally, I will discuss the relevance of this knowledge in a nursing context.

Bella is a six year old Maori descendant weighing 26kg and is 115cm tall. She is the eldest of three children living with their mother, two younger brothers and their three pets. Bella’s extended family members include her grandmothers, grandfathers, uncles, aunties and her father for support.

According to Erikson’s psychsocial theory “[it is where] unique development tasks confronts individuals with a crisis that must be resolved” (Santrock, 2009, p.23). Bella relates to his middle childhood developmental stage of industry versus inferiority. This is the fourth developmental stage of eight, where children encounter many new challenges during primary school age. For example Bella is a new, year two student at X primary school this year, overcoming many challenges. Including, being in a new school environment and creating new friendships. During this time, Bella has established three friendships within her class. She also considers her two brothers and cousins as friends. According to Huston & Ripke (2006), “… positive interactions with peers… not only have positive outcomes at this time... [but also] linked to more positive relationship outcomes in adolescence and adulthood” (p. 335), in preventing negative social and cognitive impact.

While social interactions are essential, recreational activities are beneficial also, enhancing cognitive skills. This is a curious age where interests and hobbies empower children to discover how things...