Is your little one developing properly? (Child Development) Let's talk about this!

There's nothing more satisfying than watching your little one grow and learn new things, right? At the same time, it's also important for you to be aware of how important child development is to their health and well-being. Because if there is a problem with your child's development, this knowledge will help you identify it quickly.

What is meant by child development? What are its main aspects?

Simply put, child development is the process by which your child grows physically and mentally over time, learning new things. Doctors usually divide this development into four main areas:

• Motor Skills: This refers to the way a child controls their body movements. Think of it like using their hands, grabbing small objects with their fingers, crawling, walking, running, jumping, and moving around as they please. This also has two parts, Gross Motor Skills, which are things that use large muscles (like walking, running), and Fine Motor Skills, which are things that use small muscles (like drawing, writing, and buttoning).

• Cognitive Skills: These skills are related to a child's thinking, problem-solving, memory, attention, and learning abilities. Examples include asking "What is this?" about small things, looking at new things, and figuring out how a toy works.

• Language and Communication Skills: These are the skills your child uses to communicate with you and others and to express their needs. This includes not only the words they speak, but also the way they cry, smile, make sounds, use their hands and feet, and even use their eyes to signal.

• Social and Emotional Skills: These are related to the child's feelings (such as happiness, sadness, anger). They also include understanding the feelings of others, getting along with others, learning to control their own emotions, and how the child responds to the emotions and behaviors of you and others.

All of these aspects are interconnected. Growth in one area helps growth in others.

What are these developmental milestones?

You've probably heard of something called " developmental milestones ." These are behaviors or abilities that experts have identified that the majority of children (usually about three out of four) demonstrate at a given age.

Important: But remember, not all children are the same. Some children do some things a little earlier, others a little later. That's normal. These milestones are just guidelines to help you get a general idea of ​​your child's development. They're not a checklist to follow exactly.

Knowing these milestones can help you identify any developmental delays early on. That's why it's important to keep your child's well-checks with their pediatrician on a regular basis.

What are the main stages of child development?

Doctors usually divide a child's development into five main periods:

• Babies: From birth to 12 months. This is the time when the most rapid growth occurs.
• Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3. During this time, the child becomes very active and tries to do things on their own.
• Preschool: Ages 3 to 5. A key period for the development of language skills and social skills.
• Grade school age: 5 to 12 years old. Begins to think logically and learn complex things.
• Teens: Ages 12 to 18. A time of great physical and mental changes.

Let's see what things a child can do depending on their age.

After a child turns one year old, his abilities develop very quickly. The foundation for this is what he learned during his earlier childhood. Let's look at what the majority of children do at different ages.

When your baby is about 15 months old...

Little ones are very playful at this age. They should be able to do these things:

• He can stand and take a step or two without anyone's help. He may fall, but he will get up and try again.
• He can pick up food using his fingers. Imagine him picking up a small piece of biscuit or a piece of fruit and eating it himself.
• They know how to clap their hands when they're happy. When you make a joke, they clap their hands like "chiri chiri".
• He shows you a toy or something he likes. He holds out his hand and says, "Mommy, look at this."
• Hug a toy, a teddy bear, or show love by cuddling and petting you.
• They watch other children play and try to imitate what they do.
• In addition to the words "mom" and "dad," they try to say one or two more words . They may not be exactly right, but they try to say it as close as possible.
• Understands the names of things . For example, when you ask, "Where is the ball?", you look at the ball nearby.
• He understands simple instructions and follows them. If you ask for something he has in his hand and extend your hand, it's as if he'll give it to you.
• When they need help, they ask for it . Maybe they point to something they need, or say a word that relates to it.
• Knows how to use things properly . For example, holds a cup or a book properly.

What does a toddler do at 18 months (1 1/2 years)?

At this age, the child has become even more intelligent:

• You can walk alone , without anyone's help or holding onto anything.
• Participates in daily activities. For example, when asked to wash hands, extends hands, or when asked to put on a jacket, puts on hands.
• They try to eat with a spoon , not just with their fingers. They try to drink water from a cup without a lid (but they might spill a little!).
• Able to get on and off a chair or sofa without help .
• They start to look around a bit. Even if they go a little further away from you, they still turn around to see if you're there.
• I sit down to read a book with you, and I'm patient as I look at a few pages .
• He imitates the simple things you do. If he sees you sweeping with a broom, he will take a small broom and try to sweep too.
• Uses at least three other words besides "mom" and "dad," and follows simple instructions using only words.

Abilities of a child at 2 years old

By the time he was two years old, the little one had learned many more things:

• You can use both hands at the same time . For example, you can hold something with one hand and open and close it with the other.
• When you see someone else sad or in pain, you can recognize that feeling .
• When something happens, I look at your face to see how you will react.
• Two words are put together to express ideas. Like "baby milk", "car is going".
• When you tell them the names of body parts, they recognize them and point to them . When you ask them to show you something in a book, they point to it.
• They don't just point and wave, they use more complex gestures . They nod their head (to say yes/no), like blowing a kiss.
• Knows how to press switches and buttons on toys. Plays with several toys at once.
• They eat food using utensils like spoons .
• Can run, kick a ball, and climb stairs (without using hands, only using legs).

At 30 months (2 1/2 years old) the little one

At two and a half years old, the child is even smarter:

• They play with other children, or they play near them.
• When told "it's time for bed," they follow familiar instructions, such as brushing their teeth and getting dressed for bed.
• Uses about 50 words , constructs simple sentences, and recognizes at least one color.
• They play with their imagination, such as feeding a doll by imagining a toy as food (make-believe play) .
• They use their hands to open doors, uncork bottles, and turn the pages of a book one by one .
• They use problem-solving skills , like holding a chair to reach something above them.
• Jumping off the ground with both feet .
• Taking off a jacket without help .

Child at 3 years old

At this age, children like to talk a lot and ask questions:

• If you have to leave yourself and stay with someone (e.g., at a daycare center), you can get over your sadness and calm down within 10 minutes.
• Seeing other children, they join in and play with them.
• They are speaking better than before, making small conversations, asking questions , and describing something in a picture using verbs.
• He speaks most of what he says clearly enough for others to understand . He says his own name when asked.
• Understands warnings like "Don't touch it, it's hot" and acts accordingly .
• When shown how to do it, they draw a shape like a circle and use their hands to attach things like beads to a string.
• Eating with a fork .
• I need a little more help getting dressed, like putting on a pair of big pants and a jacket.

Child at 4 years old

Your little one is no longer a toddler. At this age, many children do these things:

• When playing, they act like someone else (or like an animal) .
• When I see someone sad or in pain, I comfort them .
• They understand how to behave in different places, such as a library or a playground, and behave accordingly.
• They recognize dangers and avoid them, such as not jumping from a height.
• They ask you to do things that they think will help you, or try to do things that they think will help you. If you ask for help, they offer it.
• Says sentences of four or more words . Says lines from songs and stories. Talks about what they did earlier in the day.
• Answers simple questions like "What are shoes for?"
• He names several different colors of things he sees.
• Draw a human figure with a head, arms, legs (and maybe more details).
• If you hit a big ball , you'll often catch it .
• Unbuttoning buttons . Holding a pencil or crayon is not done by gripping the handle, but by using the thumb and other fingers.

Child at 5 years old

At five years old, it's almost time to start school. Many children do these things:

• They follow the rules when playing and wait their turn.
• At home , I do simple chores like clearing the table and helping with laundry.
• Have longer conversations and longer stories (speech that has several parts, or conversations that go back and forth more than three or four times).
• Recognizes and uses rhyming words . Counts to 10. Understands and uses time words such as yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
• (Except for watching TV or being on the phone) Stay focused on something for 5 to 10 minutes at a time .
• They recognize some letters when shown, or write a few letters of their name.
• Not only can you unbutton, you can also button up .
• Hop on one leg .

What if my child isn't doing certain things that are appropriate for his or her age?

It's normal to feel a little worried if you see that your child isn't doing some of the things on this list for their age. But don't panic . The first thing to remember is that these developmental milestones are just general guidelines . Every child is different. Your child may be very talented in one way, but in another way, they may need a little more time and help.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child's development or these milestones, the best person to talk to is your child's pediatrician . He or she can evaluate your child's development and give you the advice you need. He or she may be able to refer your child to physical therapy , occupational therapy , or speech therapy if necessary. Or, if necessary, he or she can refer you to another specialist and provide additional resources and support.

Remember, each child's development can vary greatly. These milestones are not a checklist to be followed exactly, but rather signs along the way. However, your child will always need your love, care, and support on this journey.

The most important things you need to remember

So, a child's development is wonderful, and something to pay attention to.

• Every child is unique: Every child develops at their own pace. Don't compare them to other children.
• Milestone guidelines only: These are just to help you get a general idea of ​​your child's development.
• Seek medical advice: If you have any concerns about your child's development, don't hesitate to consult a pediatrician. If a problem is identified early, it is easier to treat.
• Give your child love and support: Your love and encouragement are a great source of strength at every stage of their development. Play with them, talk to them, and teach them new things.

Congratulations on this beautiful growth journey of your little one!

` Child growth, child development, developmental milestones, infant development, toddler development, preschool child, child abilities