Virtual Child Essay Example

to replace the nucleus of a donor egg, fertilized by another man, and then implanted into a woman who will carry the baby to term (Santrock, 2008, p. 69). Given my preference for simplicity, we ultimately chose the traditional approach.

We generated a genetic map to identify potential abnormalities in our baby. Upon examining our DNA, we discovered that our baby has a 28% likelihood of developing myopia, 36% likelihood of arthritis, 25% likelihood of heart disease, 3% likelihood of Down syndrome, 8% likelihood of bipolar disorder, 20% likelihood of anxiety, 13% likelihood of antisocial behavior, and 10% susceptibility to addiction. Fortunately, advancements in technology enhance the chances of having a healthy child. It is imperative that we adhere to a consistent treatment plan throughout pregnancy and provide nourishing food while closely monitoring the progress. Hearing plays a vital role in the baby's development inside the womb and serves as their sole means for connecting with the external world. This is particularly significant for me since I aspire to educate my son about music.

My wife, our unborn child, and I establish a close and pleasant relationship with music by experiencing vibrations, rhythms, and melodies. This musical journey starts from 38 weeks and continues until 40 weeks, resembling a field trip. One of the most thrilling moments is listening to our child's rapidly beating heart during the initial three months. The heart starts beating on the 25th day, while the formation of the neural tube, which later becomes the brain and spinal cord, also begins. By the end of the first month, the embryo measures approximately 9 mm and weighs 0.

5 grams. The events throughout the 9

months, including the germinal, embryonic, and fetal periods, were all tape recorded during each ultrasound (Santrock, 2008, p. 79). The moment of truth has now come as our son Santiago was born, marking the end of this first prenatal stage. Despite things not happening as expected, we have finally reached the forty-week mark.

Santiago has successfully completed the development of his bones, organs, brain, and limbs and has now opened his eyes to the world. It is worth mentioning that he was delivered by means of a cesarean section.
Throughout infancy, we have taken utmost care to ensure Santiago's healthy start and promote optimal development in the first two years. Our main focus will be on Santiago's physical appearance, motor development, and sensory development as they play a vital role in shaping his future as a musician.
During the initial 18 months of Santiago's life, he made normal progress in terms of physical development. This included gaining weight and height, teething process, enhancing sensory discrimination skills, as well as acquiring the abilities to walk and speak.

The growth rate was intense in the first 2 years of life but gradually decreased. During the first three months of life, sensory acuity, which we find intriguing, develops rapidly. Infants appear to have the ability to discriminate visually and audibly. Santiago, just two days old, could already distinguish smells and react to loud noises. During this initial stage of his life (three months), he could also differentiate colors and shapes.

The text describes Santiago's motor movements and development during his early months of life. Many of his reflexes disappeared, but some, like the sucking reflex, remain. He initially propelled himself using only his

arms and later learned to crawl on hands and knees before eventually walking at 13 to 15 months of age. Interestingly, Santiago's expression of needs and comfort varied during his early months, with crying being the most prevalent. He also made short guttural sounds, which generally indicated pleasant sensations.

We made it a priority to communicate with him continually while feeding or bathing him. Around his third month, he started making simple vowel-like sounds such as "oh," "ah," and "eh." He also began babbling and chatting, and learned to laugh in response to pleasant stimuli. His crying became less frequent as it became more purposeful.

Often, I feel that Santiago has a special relationship with his mother because he tries to communicate with her using vocalizations or repeated sounds. This behavior started when Santiago was 9 months old, and he began controlling language by modulating sounds with different intensities depending on his purpose. Although his conversation is understandable, it also has significant variations as chirping sounds are sometimes replaced with little cries or prolonged laughter. Due to this, we made the decision to speak clearly and expose him to a variety of sounds. In terms of his social and emotional development, we have noticed that Santiago is starting to show signs of rebellion, which is normal at this stage. At 16 months old, Santiago is having difficulty sharing toys.

He displays possessiveness, a desire for independence, and a lack of remembrance for rules. Additionally, he exhibits heightened fears and frequent mood swings. Although his emotions are intense, they are short-lived. He enjoys playing alone rather than with other children.

It appears that he perceives himself as the focal point

of the universe and is increasingly self-aware. Additionally, he has begun displaying novel emotions including jealousy, affection, pride, and shame. At the age of 2, Santiago is already articulating his emotions and wants, as well as following basic instructions. However, he still has a limited ability to focus for extended periods of time.

Use groups of three or more words for memorization purposes. Incorporate brief rhymes for easy recall. Utilize symbolic objects to represent other objects. Additionally, engage in singing concise songs. While decision-making can be challenging, there is a strong desire to actively participate in the process. Moreover, the individual has already taken steps towards thoughtful consideration prior to taking action.

Early Childhood Santiago has entered a new phase of his development and interaction with the world of objects. His primary focus is on becoming skilled at manipulating objects, which is his main activity at this stage. There are three key accomplishments we are observing: becoming proficient in using objects, language development, and learning to walk. This stage is crucial to Santiago's development as a musician as it is a sensitive period for language development. Additionally, it is a time when he can easily and quickly learn his mother tongue, clearly identifying sounds and their variations.

Santiago has begun using phrases such as "I," "I run," "I alone," and "I love you." He now recognizes that he can accomplish certain tasks independently without assistance. Furthermore, he has started forming basic self-care routines. In terms of physical changes, Santiago has slimmed down and experienced some growth in height. Although he no longer sleeps well, his skills in activities like walking, running, jumping, and ball throwing have improved.

His limbs have elongated while his head remains proportionately larger due to skeletal muscle development. Additionally, his senses and motor abilities have progressed, leading to enhanced coordination between his desires and capabilities. We even bought him a toy piano which serves as both a learning tool and an outlet for motor engagement.

Sometimes Santiago has had the flu, but his doctor has said that his lungs are not fully developed and respiratory problems are common at this stage. The doctor also mentioned that these diseases will benefit Santiago's immune system (Piaget, 1954, p.1). Santiago appears to have missed many and disorganized thoughts at this stage (Cognitive), but he does have some concepts of stable and rational thought. As play emerges, egotism becomes evident and then gradually diminishes, leading to the formation of some magical beliefs.

Santiago, who is 4 years old, has started displaying primitive reasoning and a desire to know the answers to various questions. These traits signify his mental development at his age and showcase his intellectual curiosity. Although he appears confident in his knowledge and understanding, he is not yet aware of how to determine what he knows. Santiago is now attending a day care program that includes musical education. As a father, I have also begun teaching him some music lessons, which he seems very excited and interested about. We are amazed at how quickly Santiago is learning new words and grasping their meanings simply by hearing them once or twice during a conversation.

Santiago initially struggled with comprehending complex sentences, such as when he was instructed, "you can watch TV after tidying your room." He misinterpreted the word order and believed he

could first watch TV and then clean his room. Santiago's language skills are also characterized by a tendency to interpret words literally, resulting in frequent miscommunication. Consequently, we now exercise caution in our choice of words, particularly during moments of anger. Furthermore, Santiago has begun articulating his own emotions and feelings while demonstrating an ability to understand the emotions of other children. He is also developing an understanding that emotions are linked to personal experiences and desires. At the age of 5, Santiago recognizes that people experience happiness when their wishes are fulfilled but sadness when they are not.

Santiago has a limited grasp of his emotions, like shame and pride. He struggles to reconcile conflicting feelings, such as being happy about getting a bike but disappointed because it wasn't the right color. However, he really loves every birthday party, especially his own. In middle and late childhood, Santiago is interested in reading different types of literature like stories, novels (fiction), magazines, and project instruction books. He also enjoys reading music and spends time playing pieces by Beethoven and Mozart on the piano after day care. Furthermore, he has developed a passion for collecting special objects and building puzzles. It's important to note that he focuses on small projects and goals.

Even during play, he is drawn to the more intricate rules. Nowadays, things tend to be very polarized - either extreme, completely black or white, unquestionably right or horribly wrong, incredibly wonderful or utterly frightening, hilariously funny or unbearably boring. He is acquiring the skill of thinking ahead and assessing the consequences of his actions. Additionally, he refuses to follow rules unless he has played a

role in creating them. Teaching him certain rules can be challenging at times, prompting us to seek guidance from literature and consult professionals.

Also, Santiago's language skills have improved and become more advanced. It is noticeable that he now expresses his opinions more frequently and is adopting vocabulary used by his peers. However, we are concerned that he may be using new words without fully comprehending their meaning. Furthermore, Santiago tends to play with boys rather than girls. Additionally, we have observed that his friends and the media are increasingly impacting his attitudes and awareness.

From the age of 5, we have openly discussed sensitive topics such as birth and reproduction to promote understanding. We have also focused on teaching him tolerance and respect towards others, as these are learned behaviors. As he gets older, he becomes more aware of his physical appearance, especially his hair, and shows interest in choosing specific shoes. He is actively involved in basketball and displays a lot of enthusiasm while practicing it. It is clear that he really enjoys this activity. Additionally, he often mentions being the captain of the soccer team and proudly considers himself one of the standout players.

Fortunately, Santiago is a remarkably healthy boy and has never had any significant medical issues apart from the occasional bout of regular flu, which is to be expected. We were delighted to see him win his first piano contest at the county. His performance was exceptional, and it was evident how diligently he practiced nearly every day after school. We are incredibly proud of him and make sure he knows it. Additionally, Santiago is fully bilingual, speaking Spanish at home and

English at school and church.

I have observed that Santiago has an abundance of energy in everything he does. Even after spending the entire day at the park, he quickly becomes bored at home and craves more activity. Additionally, his teeth are currently undergoing the process of being replaced, resulting in a comical appearance. He no longer believes in concepts like Santa Claus or other Christmas traditions. Instead, he critically analyzes everything we say and is not hesitant to ask for clarification. In addition, he has started requesting a cell phone because he claims that everyone else at school has one. Furthermore, his taste buds have changed, and he now frequently complains about the food served at the table.

My wife and I have been discussing the possibility of getting a dog, but she strongly opposes the idea. Our 9-year-old son, Santiago, is a very chatty kid who loves talking about everything, especially stories about dinosaurs. He knows the names of every single dinosaur, which is impressive. Lately, Santiago has been going through hormonal changes and starting to develop secondary sexual characteristics. This has caused him to feel more self-conscious and desire a private life. It seems like his physical and intellectual development are not in sync; although he is physically maturing, he is still mentally a child. As he turns 10 years old, we are helping him understand his sexual orientation and supporting him in that process.

During adolescence, Santiago starts to have numerous questions. Instead of asking his own questions, he refers to them as if they are happening to someone else. In his early teens, he begins to experiment with new concerns related to self-image

and physical appearance. He now spends hours in front of the mirror, worrying and complaining about being too tall or dealing with acne. It is important to note that different parts of the body do not grow at the same time or at the same rate.

Santiago is experiencing some physical awkwardness as his hands and feet are growing faster than his arms and legs. This is because the coordination of his body's movement relies on its changing parts, which are each growing at their own pace. Santiago's late development has brought about concerns, particularly regarding his ability to participate in sports and compete with more developed peers.

The age at which he began experiencing puberty, along with how his friends, peers, family, and society as a whole respond to these changes, are impacting him. However, he states that he appreciates the fact that he is developing differently from his friends. This may provide certain advantages, especially in sports where early development can surpass those who mature at a slower pace. Despite this, we are making sure that he understands that variations in the speed of his development are normal. In terms of social integration, Santiago is experiencing a greater sense of belonging within his group of classmates. His friends have a significant influence during this stage of life, guiding decision-making and current matters.

Despite many of Santiago's friends being susceptible to feelings of jealousy, insecurity, and unfairness, he has displayed remarkable maturity when confronted with a negative experience in a romantic relationship at school. Additionally, I recall instances where individuals have offered him membership in a gang or drugs, both of which he declined, demonstrating his lack

of interest. However, he is an active participant in a social group focused on academics and recreation within his school. This involvement has heightened his accessibility and enthusiasm for cultural and social gatherings. Presently, Santiago exhibits an unprecedented interest in spiritual matters and dedicates himself to numerous activities hosted by his church. Not only does he assist with playing the piano during worship services, but he also contributes to the children's church program.

As a father, there are times when I have to pick him up late and take him home. Although it's nice, I believe he is using this as an opportunity to request a driver's license and a car. I told him it's not the right time. Despite our occasional disagreements (sullivan & sullivan, 1980), his cognitive thinking has significantly changed compared to when he was a child.

Now Santiago is able to engage in speculative thinking and consider possibilities beyond what is currently known. His thinking abilities have expanded to include abstract reasoning, enabling him to delve into philosophical or political doctrines and even compose music based on the concepts of renowned musicians. Santiago's cognitive growth has allowed him to develop a deeper appreciation for intangible concepts such as freedom and discrimination, enabling him to form ideals and advocate for them passionately.

(Santrock, 2008, p. 358) Currently, he is experiencing intense emotions as he has fallen in love. Consequently, his behavior has become quite peculiar. He now tends to isolate himself during family gatherings and spends prolonged periods in his room as he searches for his own identity. This process of self-discovery is crucial as it signifies his increasing independence from the family unit, particularly

in terms of emotional attachment. We assume that his interactions with others, especially the opposite sex, form the core of his socialization process. I advised him to invite his girlfriend over, and he agreed, prompting a discussion about this matter.

I discussed the joys of dating and emphasized the importance of recognizing that others may not have the same level of commitment to family, but can still be just as significant as parents. He suggested that there are aspects we may not comprehend, but she does. We acknowledge and respect his perspective. He invited her to dinner, and we had a delightful time together. We noticed that she is a smart, young, attractive, diligent person who surprisingly shares many qualities with Santiago. I praised him for his new relationship but stressed the significance of maintaining his dedication to studying and attending college. Several months later, he took his driver's license test and obtained his permit. Now he is seeking opportunities to drive the car and is browsing the Craigslist website for potential vehicles, with a focus on a sporty 2-door Honda Accord.

I informed my son that he will receive the car once he starts college. It is an inevitability that we cannot escape; he will receive the car next year when he turns 18… We are currently praying and placing our trust in the good education and example we have provided him. Naturally, I am responsible for paying for gas, oil, high insurance, and more (although that is not the main point here). Thankfully, he is now in college pursuing his musical studies with a focus on composition and orchestra direction.

Thanks to his childhood cultivation of

piano talent, he now has a promising future as a musician. Various institutions are inviting him to participate in events and recordings, allowing him to earn money and support himself financially. Additionally, he is in a relationship with Amanda, his new Christian girlfriend. This is beneficial as she is also a talented singer with a beautiful soprano voice, and has already recorded a well-known pop music CD. Santiago has recently entered early adulthood, and while he may already be considered an adult, in my opinion he is still very young and has much to learn. This will be a long journey for him as he establishes his place in society, completes his college education, attends university, finds employment, and starts a family. I hope he manages to accomplish everything at the right time, although surprises are inevitable.

He appears to be highly committed to his profession, having graduated from college and requesting financial assistance from me to fund his own music studio in order to generate income. This is an excellent initiative. Currently, he earns some money as a pianist, but it is insufficient for establishing a music production company. Furthermore, he engages in physical exercise every morning, resulting in his absence at home. Even when we visit our usual park, he is rarely present. However, to my surprise, his girlfriend is expecting a baby, and I will soon become a grandfather (thanks to my son).

My wife insisted that Santiago and Amanda should get married, but they both decided that marriage is not the best choice for them at the moment. However, they have managed to rent an apartment together, which they are able to afford

because they are both working. Santiago is currently studying, working, and making plans, but he is neglecting his diet. Occasionally, we buy them some food because they are too busy to go to the store. Several months later, they have a baby and Santiago's life starts to change even more. He becomes a father, and thankfully, they have decided to get married.

At the age of 27, he has graduated from university and is currently employed as the Director’s assistant of the symphonic orchestra of Orlando. He works diligently every day and finds enjoyment in his work. In addition to his job, he has managed to establish his own musical producer house during his free time, with his wife taking care of it. Physically, Santiago exhibits maximum performance in all of his biological functions, which brings about a sense of security, power, and domination. He possesses strength, energy, and endurance. His intellectual abilities are well-established and psychologically, he has a strong sense of mastery and autonomy, allowing him to utilize his energy more effectively.

During the period of 18 to 40 years, these years hold immense significance for society. It is a time of identity formation and embarking on the journey of adulthood, with the aim of adapting to social life. The social development of an individual's personality goes through various transformations and advancements during this phase. In the span of two decades, Santiago has made numerous crucial decisions that profoundly impact his future, encompassing aspects such as health, happiness, and personal success.

This paragraph highlights the transformative phase of social change in both work and family life for Santiago. Despite being influenced by my good example, Santiago

needs to improve his marriage and fatherhood roles. According to Erickson, the young adult stage involves oscillating between intimacy and isolation, where individuals strive to establish their identity through connections with others. Santiago now possesses the capability to form concrete affiliations and partnerships, despite the significant sacrifices that may be involved. However, Santiago faces a daily challenge as an individual, husband, and father to his demanding 9-year-old son. His wife's parents have criticized his performance as a father, and I concur that Santiago needs to make changes and spend quality time with his family.

At Santiago's 35th birthday party, he and his wife had an argument, indicating trouble in my son's marriage. Afterward, I spoke to him and advised him to seek the assistance of a marriage counselor. Despite our strong father-son relationship, he claimed it was not my concern and asserted that he had everything under control. However, prior to his 40th birthday, they were discussing divorce. It is perplexing to me that money, education, and unemployment are not the issues, but rather communication and lack of time for the family. Now, he is saying, "Dad, I need some help."

I recommended that they watch the movie "Proof of Fire" and seek the assistance of a marriage counselor. During middle adulthood, I will always remember the moment when my son had to hold his breath to blow out forty candles on his birthday cake. Santiago began rebuilding his marriage and spending more time with his teenage son during his middle age. Currently, he desires to play football with his son, but Santiago's physical condition has declined. He no longer possesses the same strength, muscle tone, and

reaction time as before. Santiago attempts to compensate for these changes in behavior, but they are quite noticeable.

Now Santiago is having to take responsibility for what he eats every day. His cholesterol and triglycerides are at unexpected levels, putting his health at risk. He has started eating cereal in the morning and more vegetables. He has also returned to his old habit of running in the morning and visiting the doctor at least twice a year. His doctor advised him to focus on these habits every day if he wants to see his grandchildren grow (Hoffman, Paris, & Hill, 1996). Despite a stable cognitive intelligence, Santiago has shown a decline in certain basic skills that could potentially be compensated behaviorally. Additionally, he has begun to experience increased motivation and compensation for losses due to rapid selection capability. The deterioration of his cognition depends on his lifestyle, so he should watch his diet and exercise daily.

(Shiner, 2002, p. 5) Santiago has entered a phase referred to as the "maintenance phase," wherein his inclination to take risks in his work has decreased. Instead, he now prioritizes the security provided by his familiar territory and the stability offered by his traditional job at the Orlando Philharmonic, as well as his studies in recording and music production. This period has been satisfying for Santiago, as it has been built upon well-defined and premeditated goals. However, Santiago finds himself conflicted between putting in effort to maintain what he has achieved or choosing to relax and enjoy it. Conversely, Amanda, Santiago's wife, continues to develop her talents that were left partially unfinished. She remains deeply committed to her work and now

has more free time as their son spends most of his time at school. Both Santiago and Amanda are highly involved in their Church and have plans to serve as missionaries in Africa for a few months.

The author believes that the individual's spirituality and religious belief have grown stronger due to the isolation experienced while being at home. They have made new friends at their church and are currently sharing their musical talent with the community and neighbors without charging any fee (McCullough, Enders, Brion, & Jain, 2005, p. 89). In general, Santiago is in the process of rediscovering and improving his physical condition, financial situation, and psychological well-being.

Santiago may be in the most financially secure position in his life, thanks to his years of record profits and his son's growing independence. He is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Santiago and his wife are in good physical health due to medical advancements, preventive care, and maintaining good condition. One of their major accomplishments is living long enough to gain valuable social and professional experience and having opportunities to utilize that experience. However, being in one's forties or fifties does come with its own tensions.

Santiago is aware that his body is no longer as it used to be. In a society that values youth and physical fitness, signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging skin, and muscle pain are unwelcome to Santiago as they serve as reminders that old age is approaching. These visible signs of aging trouble Santiago particularly at his music institution where the majority of people are young. This is significant because the nature of one's work strongly influences how

they feel at this stage of life. Santiago also feels the need to evaluate his past expectations for the course and assess how well he has performed, likely because he wants to have the opportunity to adjust certain goals or make changes in what he wants to do.

The text discusses the individual's perspective on the remaining time left to live, separate from assessing the years already lived. The individual acknowledges that there are limitations in being able to do everything they want and expresses a desire to make the most of the time they have remaining. Despite not considering divorce or a change in professional activity, thoughts about retirement have started to enter their mind. Currently, the individual is transitioning into the role of a grandparent, which may seem premature but is beneficial considering their concerns about their own physical well-being that is gradually changing. At Santiago's age, he has already begun experiencing symptoms such as depression, fatigue, sexual inadequacy, and unspecified physical ailments.

Santiago is starting to experience symptoms of age-related diseases like asthma, bronchitis, and a slight tendency towards diabetes. His grandfather passed away due to diabetes, which indicates a possible familial link. Santiago's eyes and ears are deteriorating, likely due to his lifelong passion for reading music and studying composition. One significant health issue Santiago needs to manage is his high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. This condition is particularly risky as it increases the likelihood of heart attacks and affects approximately one out of every five adults (Santrock, 2008, p.).

478) Late Adulthood My son, who is now 65 years old, is starting to encounter a gradual deterioration in the functioning of

all his bodily biological systems. This decline is marked by a decrease in responsiveness and information processing, necessitating adjustments in various aspects of his life. In terms of physical changes, Santiago's skin is becoming less smooth and elastic, his hair is thinning and turning gray. He is also experiencing a reduction in body size and bone density. Moreover, he has begun to lose several teeth and frequently experiences issues with his gums.

His vision naturally declined, along with muscle problems, intensified wrinkles, and a decrease in sensory and perceptual functions. Additionally, he is less adaptable to extreme temperatures. Although his physical strength has diminished and he no longer plays the piano as before, his musical ideas remain unchanged. He now