WBCHSE HS Human Development and Resource Management key terms

A measurable increase in physical size, weight, or body dimensions such as height and head circumference. It is quantitative and continues until maturity, and is commonly tracked on growth charts.

Progressive change in skills and abilities, including motor, cognitive, language, social, and emotional areas. Unlike growth it is qualitative and follows a broadly predictable sequence, though its pace differs between individuals.

A specific skill or behaviour expected around a certain age, such as sitting without support or using two-word phrases. Milestones help caregivers and health workers judge whether development is proceeding typically.

A noticeable lag in reaching one or more milestones compared with the usual age range. Early identification matters because timely stimulation, therapy, or referral can reduce long-term difficulties.

The period from conception to birth, divided into germinal, embryonic, and fetal phases. Nutrition, infections, alcohol, and other environmental influences during this stage strongly affect later health and development.

Any substance or condition that can harm the developing embryo or fetus, such as alcohol, certain drugs, radiation, or some infections. Exposure risk is greatest during the early embryonic phase when organs are forming.

The stage from birth to about two years, marked by rapid physical growth and the emergence of basic motor, sensory, and attachment behaviours. Exclusive breastfeeding and responsive care are central needs in this period.

The emotional bond an infant forms with a primary caregiver, shaped by the consistency and warmth of care. Secure attachment supports later confidence, social competence, and stress regulation.

Play, conversation, reading, and sensory experiences that actively engage a young child's mind and body. Regular stimulation in the early years supports language, motor, and cognitive development and can offset some delays.

Voluntary activity pursued for enjoyment that also builds physical coordination, language, problem-solving, and social skills. Its forms change with age, from solitary and parallel play to cooperative group play.

The transitional stage between childhood and adulthood, broadly ages 10 to 19, characterised by puberty, identity formation, and growing independence. Rapid growth raises energy and nutrient needs, especially for iron and calcium.

The biological process of sexual maturation that makes reproduction possible, triggered by hormonal changes. It brings growth spurts and secondary sexual characteristics, and its timing varies widely among individuals.

The gradual, lifelong process of physical and social change that continues through later adulthood. In older age it may bring reduced muscle mass, bone density, and sensory acuity, raising needs for supportive nutrition and safe housing.

The sequence of stages a family typically passes through, from formation through child-rearing to the departure of children and later years. Each stage changes the family's needs, income demands, and resource priorities.

Anything a family can use to meet its goals and needs, commonly grouped as human resources (time, energy, skills, knowledge) and non-human resources (money, goods, property, community services).

Personal capacities such as time, energy, knowledge, skills, and attitudes that people bring to household tasks. They are limited, renewable only partly, and can be developed through education and training.

Services and facilities outside the home that families can draw on, such as schools, health centres, anganwadi centres, libraries, transport, and self-help groups. Knowing them widens options and reduces dependence on money alone.

Deciding how limited resources such as money, time, and energy will be distributed among competing needs and wants. Clear goals and priorities make allocation more deliberate and reduce conflict within the family.

The process of identifying a problem or goal, listing alternatives, weighing their consequences, choosing one, and later evaluating the result. In families it is often shared and influenced by values and available resources.

Stating a desired outcome clearly enough to guide action, ideally specific, measurable, and time-bound. Goals direct how time and money are spent and give a basis for judging whether plans succeeded.

Planning and organising how hours and minutes are used so that important tasks are completed without undue stress. Common tools include schedules, to-do lists, and grouping similar tasks together.

Techniques for completing household work with less time, energy, or effort, such as combining tasks, using labour-saving equipment, and arranging the workplace ergonomically. It improves efficiency without lowering the quality of results.

A written plan that estimates expected income and assigns spending to categories over a set period. Comparing actual spending with the plan shows where adjustments are needed.

Deeply held beliefs about what is important, right, or desirable, such as honesty, thrift, or family togetherness. They shape goals and choices and often explain why people with similar resources decide differently.

A diet supplying all essential nutrients in the right proportions from a variety of foods, matched to a person's age, sex, and activity level. It supports growth, immunity, and everyday functioning.

A nutrient needed in relatively large amounts and supplying energy or building material: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each gram of carbohydrate or protein provides about 4 kcal, and each gram of fat about 9 kcal.

A vitamin or mineral needed in small amounts for functions such as vision, blood clotting, bone building, and oxygen transport. Deficiencies, such as iron-deficiency anaemia, remain a major public health concern.

A category of foods with similar nutrient profiles, such as cereals and millets, pulses, vegetables, fruits, milk, and fats. Planning meals across food groups is a practical way to achieve a balanced diet.

Science-based recommendations intended to guide healthy eating for a population, covering food variety, quantity, and habits. They are usually presented as simple messages and a visual plate or pyramid.

Feeding an infant human milk, ideally exclusively for the first six months and continued alongside complementary foods afterwards. It provides balanced nutrition, antibodies, and a safe, low-cost food supply.

The thick, yellowish first milk produced in the days after birth. Rich in antibodies and protein, it protects the newborn from infection and is often called the baby's first immunisation.

Introducing safe, adequate solid and semi-solid foods alongside breast milk from about six months, when milk alone no longer meets energy and nutrient needs. Foods should be soft, varied, and free of added salt and sugar.

The gradual process of moving a child from milk feeds to family foods and eventually stopping breastfeeding. It should be gradual and timed with the child's readiness rather than stopped abruptly.

Adding inferior, harmful, or unauthorised substances to food to increase bulk or profit, such as chalk powder in flour or dyes in spices. It reduces quality and can seriously harm health.

Practices that prevent food-borne illness, including clean hands and surfaces, safe water, proper cooking, and correct storage temperatures. Safe handling protects nutrients as well as health.

Official rules setting identity, purity, and labelling requirements for foods, enforced in India by the Food Safety and Standards Authority. They give consumers a legal basis for complaint and redress.

A fibre obtained from plants, animals, or minerals, such as cotton, jute, silk, wool, and asbestos. Properties vary by source; cotton absorbs moisture well, while wool insulates and silk is strong and lustrous.

A fibre made industrially from polymers, either regenerated from natural material (rayon) or synthesised from chemicals (polyester, nylon). Properties such as strength, elasticity, and quick drying can be engineered.

A continuous strand of twisted fibres or filaments used for weaving, knitting, or sewing. The amount and direction of twist affect the yarn's strength, smoothness, and appearance.

Making fabric by interlacing two sets of yarns at right angles on a loom, with lengthwise warp and crosswise weft threads. Plain, twill, and satin are basic weaves with different surface qualities.

Making fabric by interlocking loops of yarn in rows, using needles or machines. Knitted fabric stretches more than woven fabric, making it suitable for hosiery, T-shirts, and winter wear.

Fabric made by combining two or more fibre types in one yarn or cloth, such as polyester-cotton. Blending can combine durability, absorbency, and easy care while lowering cost.

Designing tasks, tools, and spaces to fit the human body, reducing strain and fatigue. In the home it guides work-surface heights, storage placement, and seating so work can be done efficiently.

In kitchen planning, the imaginary path linking the sink, cooking range, and refrigerator. Keeping the three legs short and unobstructed reduces walking and improves efficiency.

Designing products and spaces so they can be used by as many people as possible regardless of age or ability, without special adaptation. Examples include step-free entrances and lever handles.

A person who buys or uses goods and services for personal or household needs rather than for resale. Consumers have rights and responsibilities under consumer protection law.

Legally recognised entitlements of buyers, including safety, information, choice, being heard, redressal, and consumer education, along with protection against unfair trade practices.

Laws, agencies, and practices that shield buyers from unsafe goods, misleading claims, and unfair contracts, and provide a route to compensation. In India the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 is the main framework.

A quasi-judicial body where consumers can file complaints against sellers or service providers for defective goods or deficient services. District, state, and national commissions handle cases by value.

Teaching people to plan purchases, compare products, read labels, check quality marks, keep bills, and seek redress when cheated. It strengthens informed, responsible buying.

A stamp or logo indicating a product meets a specified standard, such as ISI for industrial goods, Agmark for agricultural produce, or FSSAI licence numbers for food. It helps buyers judge reliability quickly.

Income set aside rather than spent, kept for emergencies, future purchases, or investment. Regular small savings, often through a bank or post office account, build financial security.