EMT- Different Phases of Life- Compare and Contrast

It was eye opening getting a more educational, analytical perspective on the similarities and differences between the Toddler Phase (ages 12-36 months) and the Adolescence Phase (ages 13-18 years).  As an 18 year old, I could relate to the characteristics, both physiological and psychosocial. Then, reading about the Toddler Phase, I grew somewhat quite. It was humbling understanding that this age is understood by science to be known as an age of development in mental, emotional, and physical maturity, much like 12-36 month olds. Teenagers commonly develop an image with the purpose of being “popular,” “cool,” and/or different from all other stages in life. We’ve even developed a language of slang, text lingo, etc. that is visualized by society as a completely different stage in life compared to all others. What I found was, despite the obvious differences between toddlers and adolescent teens, teenagers aren’t so advanced and act/grow very much like babies. It’s a very self-consumed age for toddlers and adolescent teenagers.

Toddler and Adolescence Similarities & Differences:

*Experience Rapid Growth

-Toddlers:

-grow 4.4 pounds/year

-systems develop and advance: pulmonary (airways grow and alveoli increases), nervous system (90% development of brain/develop motor skills), musculoskeletal (muscle mass and bone density increase), immune system (becomes more resistant/stronger), teeth (have all primary teeth)

-Adolescence:

                -growth spurt lasting 2-3 years (girls done by age 16 and men by age 18)

                -reach reproductive maturity

-heart rate: 55-105/minute, respiratory rate: 12-20/minute, systolic blood pressure: 80 120mmHg

*Body Temperature

-Toddlers:

                -96.8-99.6 Degrees Fahrenheit

-Adolescence:

                -97.8-99 Degrees Fahrenheit

*Develop own Individuality:

-Toddlers:

-As Toddlers are developing their physical strength and new body form, they become more curious and want to become more adventurous. They are often times called “curtain climbers” or “rug rats” due to this curiosity that results in “occasional” mischief (aka: “terrible twos” stage).

-Adolescence:

-Teenagers develop their individuality or identity through curiosity, as well. However, their curiosity sometimes results in home conflict with parents/guardians, self-destruction, drugs, sexual curiosity/identity, etc. As they crawl closer to Early Adulthood, they desire more independence. Toddlers may find their independence through crawling away or wanting to explore the backyard, but adolescent teens strive for independence, usually from their parents.

*Increasing Cognitive Development

-Toddlers:

-Toddlers are developing their understanding of cause and effect. By 12 months, toddlers will begin to grasp what words actually “mean” by putting names with faces, for example. From 18-24 months, toddlers begin to understand cause and effect like when they are dropped off at daycare, they understand their mom is leaving and will develop separation anxiety. (Total opposite of teens who want less time with their parents, normally). 24-36 month olds begin to be more creative and by 3-4 years old, they have basic language down.

-Adolescence:

-Teens are developing their cognitive skills more and more, but in a different way that prepares them for Early Adulthood which includes college, work, responsibilities, etc. They are understanding the consequences of their actions through cause and effect which is explanatory for the obvious tension and constant disapproval between parent and teen. Teenagers are learning abundantly through their high school experience (hopefully) in preparation of flying off into a suited life stage requiring more responsibility and are applying those morals and themes learned through life actions/experience and interpreting/applying those principles as their maturity progresses.