Stages of Human Development

I don't have any children but plan to have a child in the near future. This paper will talk about me being parent for the first time with my first child.

Stage 1 "Prenatal Period"

Physical: My husband and I learn that we are expecting our first child. The baby begins to grow and gain function. The baby body structures and organs form. I am three months into my pregnancy and goes to the doctor to determine the baby sex. The baby organs have developed clearly so the doctor uses a sonogram test to determine the sex. The doctor determines that the baby is a boy. My husband and I name the baby "Qei".

Cognitive: Qei is kicking and moving inside of the mother.

Psychosocial Changes: Qei responds to the mother voice and hears the mother reading to him.

Stage 2 "Infancy and Toddler hood"

Physical: Qei is born in to the world without any health problems. Qei is pale, small, and wrinkle. He can only respond by crying and body movement.

Cognitive - He is respond by crying and body movement. He is able to use expression, babble and talk in short sentences. He learns how to crawl and this leads to walking. He doesn't need his parents help with getting around in his environment.

Psychosocial Changes - He is attached to his parent and learning his new environment. Qei learns about his environment and progress into an older child. Qei becomes more self aware of his surroundings. Qei is able to pick up on other people emotions. Also, he learns to meet friends and enjoy playing with other children.

Stage 3 "Early Childhood"

Physical - Qei is physically growing and his motor skills increases. He becomes more slim and adultlike in appearance. Qei appetite lowers and has problems sleeping.

Cognitive: Qei is a self involved at this age and can be a little insensitive to others. Also, Qei enters into preschool. Qei ideas about the world are still immature.

Psychosocial Changes: At this stage, Qei learns more independence but becomes more social. He has more self control and initiative.

Stage 4 "Middle Childhood"

Physical: Qei is starting to slow down in the growth department. He is more interested in athletic activities and skills are improving in that area.

Cognitive: Qei has learned the ability to think logically and concretely. Also, his memory is improving and increasing.

Psychosocial Changes: Qei is more self-aware and this is complex to his self esteem. Qei is more focus on his peers.

Stage 5 "Adolescence"

Physical: Qei is physically growing fast and the changes are more significant. Qei is experiencing changes in their reproductive system and behavior issues arise.

Cognitive: Qei is preparing for college and making steps toward a career. He is making immature choices in some attitudes and behaviors.

Psychosocial Changes: Qei is searching for his identity and personality traits become stable.

Stage 6 "Young Adulthood"

Physical: Qei is physically slowing down and reaches a peak. Some of his lifestyle choices might influence his health.

Cognitive: Qei has decided on a career and moral judgments are more complex.

Psychosocial Changes: Qei personality is influenced by life stages and events.

Stage 7 "Middle adulthood"

Physical: Qei is experiencing some deterioration in sensory abilities, health, stamina, and prowess.

Cognitive: Qei has developed an expertise for problem solving.

Psychosocial Changes: Qei has to deal with the stress of midlife crisis.

Stage 8 "Late Adulthood"

Physical: Qei health and physical abilities had declined over the years.

Cognitive: Qei intelligence and memory has deteriorated over the years.

Psychosocial Changes: Qei is enjoying retirement and evaluating the meaning of life. Qei has to deal with personal loss and dying.

Reference: Human Development, Diane E. Papalia, 9^th edition