Physical Development of Humans (Essay Sample)

Physical Development
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Physical Development
Overview
Physical is an important aspect in a child’s development. In childhood physical development involves the growth and development of both the brain and body of a child. A child’s physical development undergoes four different stages. The main physical development activities during the first stage of a child’s development include kicking and squirming. Between the age of 1 and 3 years, a child develops basic motor skills (Duncombe, 2019). The physical development activities that a child undergoes during this stage is the ability to hold objects. At stage 3 of their development, a child begins to develop fundamental motor skills. At this stage, some of the physical activities that a child can engage in include; crawling and standing. The last stage of the physical development of a child involves the child acquiring fine motor skills. When 8 years old, a child’s muscles have developed round hands, fingers, wrists, toes and feet. Children at this stage should be able to rest their elbow on the table and can use their hands to write. Figure 1.1 below provides an overview of the physical development of an 8-year-old child
Theoretical Background
There are several developmental theories that can be used to understand a child’s physical development. According to Freud’s psychosexual theory, child development occurs in a series of stages focused on different pleasure areas of the body. According to the theory, at the age of 8 children fundamental and fine motor skills (Duncombe, 2019). At this stage, a child is energetic and most of the child’s muscles have developed.