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Prenatal Development and Birth
I was born on September 11th, 1989. My mother's first due date was September 22nd, then they moved it to September 12th. I was born right on time, vaginally and with no complications or problems.
I was 21 inches long, and weighed 8 lbs, 4 oz. My mother breast fed me until I was 10 months old. -
The First Two Years - Biosocial
There were no complications or problems with my health or development. By 3 and a half months i was reaching for objects and at 4 I was handling them. I could sit up for a short period of time at 5 months. I was weaned from being breastfed at 9 months. Took first steps at 10 months and said my first words at 8 months.
Below are some statistics for my growth -
Height at 1 year: 2 ft, 4 inches
Head circumference at 1 year: 17.5 inches
Weight at 1 year: 17 lbs. -
The First Two Years - Cognitive
My cognitive development was normal, on track with healthy standards. I started speaking realtively early, at about 8 months. I could verbally identify certain objects right around a year old. During this timeframe I enjoyed doing simple puzzles and identifying numbers and letters. -
The First Two Years - Psychosocial
Again, there was nothing out of the ordinary when it came to my emotional or psychological development. I was laughing by 1.5-2 months, a little early by the book's standards. My mother made a note that says I really connected with my father, whenever he came into the room my eyes lit up. My parents did a great job socializing me by getting me comfortable with other people when holding me and talking to me. -
The Play Years - Biosocial
Physically I developed very well, I was about the average height for a 6 year old, around 3'6" - 3'9" and was very lean. I was a good eater and ate almost everything my parents put in front of me. The book mentions how children have rigid routines, and I was no different. My nighttime routine was exactly the same and always stayed consistent. At age 5 I rode a bike with no training wheels and loved to draw and color. -
The Play Years - Cognitive
As a young child I always asked questions. The question "why is this/why is that - blank -" was always coming out of my mouth. I was and still to this day am a very inquisitive person. I was always a fairly advanced reader and enjoyed school because I loved to learn. -
The Play Years - Psychosocial
I have a younger sister, who is 20 months my junior. Growing up, I always payed a lot of attention to her and was always showing affection. The book says that older brothers aren't always the most caring toward their younger siblings, but I was an exception. I also liked to play with my sister's dollhouse. Her and I would act out the make believe family's day in a similar manner to how our routine went. When it comes to discipline, my parents were authoritative with authoritarian leanings. -
The School Years - Biosocial
During elementary school I was a very well behaved kid that was a little on the shy side. I had no trouble making friends and I loved to run and play during recess. I was always involved in playing sports from a young age. I played soccer from age 6 until 8 and played basketball from 10 until i stopped my sophomore year in high school. My father was the coach so I was very comfortable with learning how to interact and be a team player. -
The School Years - Cognitive
I was a good student who got all As and the occasional B, almost always in math. I've always been able to pick up and learn things quickly and naturally, so I rarely if ever asked for help when working on any particular subject. I was a very good test taker and never had issue with my academic confidence. -
The School Years - Psychosocial
Being raised in the very protective environment I was raised in, as a child I never really ventured out a lot. This isn't to say I wasn't social, but I had my limitations when it came to being unsupervised.
I was never one to tease or be teased, because I was raised to treat everyone nicely, and it reflected in the way I was treated. -
Adolescence - Cognitive
I went through what every normal adolescent boy went through mentally. I always thought I was awkward and out of step and didn't view myself very favorably. This was my biggest challenge as an adolescent boy, my self confidence. I think it prevented me from taking certain risks that could've allowed me to express myself more -
Adolescence - Psychosocial
This area is the one I feel that I had the best grip on. I always have had a relatively good grip on my identity as to what I believed and who I wanted to be. I have my parents and extended family to thank for that because they demonstrated for me what the right way was within my family to be. They showed me what it was to know oneself. -
Adolescence - Biosocial
Physically, I developed early. I reached my full height by the time I was 14. Everything about me physically developed at a normal rate, with no inconsistencies or problems. When it comes to drugs, I've never even attempted to try any, so I did a good job not falling into that trap. I still dont get a good amount of sleep, but I think that most people past adolescence don't get the required amount of sleep because of their demanding work schedules. -
Emerging Adulthood - Cognitive
Cognitively I'm in a very good position. I do very well in school and can critically think and problem solve at a high level. Obviously seen from this class, I'm a college student with a career goal, so I'm thinking ahead of the present time. I still have a lot to learn and there are many ways I can develop cognitively. -
Emerging Adulthood - Psychosocial
As I said before, I have always had a good grip on my identity, even moreso at this stage. I'm currently living outside of my parents' house with a roommate, learning how to be a self-sustaining adult. I know what my values and morals are, and can reflect on why they are what they are. -
Emerging Adulthood - Biosocial
Seeing as how this is the stage of life I'm currently in, I have a good feel for what I'm going through. I agree with the book's assessment saying that this is the stage where I'm most physically capable. I run cross country and do workouts and long runs that I couldn't even fathom in my earlier years. Everything about myself I'd say is at its peak if not close to it. -
Adulthood - Cognitive
I know that my cognitive functions will increase in some ways and decrease in others. I know that my future job will need me to stay sharp mentally so any decrease in cognitive functions will hopefully be slowed due to constant stimulation. -
Adulthood - Psychosocial
Hopefully by now I'll have been married and started a family of my own, so at this point I will be basically starting over with all of the developmental cycles, only this time, I will b an observer instead of the subject. -
Adulthood - Biosocial
Based on my habits today, assuming that I'll be in the same mindframe I am now, I will be an active man throughout my life, up until I can't be. I hope that my career choice will keep me active and youthful for a long time. -
Late Adulthood - Biosocial
Personally, I haven't thought much about what will happen to me physically if I reach this stage of life. I know that I intend on being active my whole life, so I think that if I take care of myself and continue to stay on the right track, then I will remain physically capable and independent. -
Late Adulthood - Cognitive
I've seen firsthand what Parkinson's disease does, because my grandpa is affected by it. I know that this is a potential risk for me if i reach my late years. But, as mentioned in the book, he has become a very wise and deep thinker, often times getting very philosophical. I hope to continue growing mentally, even though some of my cognitive ability will decrease. -
Late Adulthood - Psychosocial
Due to the nature of my job, they basically kick you out at age 57, so I will have no choice but to retire somewhat early from my long term career. I plan on continuing to work after this point however, so I can continue to be of help for my family. My family and I are very close right now, so when I have one of my own, I plan on being the same way. -
Death and Dying
My age calculator predicted that I'll live to 91. Obviously at age 20, there is a lot of room for accidental death or injury, regardless as to how well I take care of myself. Being as young as I am, I don't think about this aspect of life very much and can only hope it won't happen for many years to come.