Child Development
Children undergo a number of changes throughout their growth until adolescence in relation to physical, speech, intellectual and cognitive development. Specific changes occur at specific ages of life. Known as developmental milestones, these changes can help you track whether your child is developing at the correct pace. Failure to reach these milestones may indicate developmental disorders or genetic conditions.
There are 5 stages of child development:
Newborn – During the first two months of life newborns have an automatic reaction to external stimuli. They can move their head from side to side, see close-up objects and turn towards sounds. They will cry to indicate they have a need, such as being hungry, tired or needing a nappy change. By the third month of life, newborns start to smile at people.
Infant
A child has developed a lot of new abilities but the time it reaches it first birthday. Between the age of 3-6 months an infant can recognise familiar faces, begin to babble (talk), have control over their head movements and bring their hands together. Between 6-9 months, infants will start to sit unaided. They will start to bounce on their legs when held in a standing position. Infants will also look in the direction of someone if their name is called.
Between the age of 9-12 months, infants can start to point at things, pick up items, start to craw and stand with support. They can also copy sounds and gestures.
Toddler – Between the ages of 1-3, children can stand alone, learn to walk unaided, begin to climb stairs and run. They can wave hello and goodbye, hold a crayon or pencil, draw circles and learn to speak a number of works and even start to construct small sentences. They will also be able to follow simple instructions/tasks.
Pre-school
Between the ages of 3-5 years a child’s fine motor skills become refined. They can dress themselves, throw and catch a ball as well as skip and hop. They will be able to complete longer sentences easily. By the age of 4 children will be able to use the toilet by themselves.
If a child is having difficulties with behaviour you may notice:
- That they get frustrated easily or more in comparison to their peers.
- Will not carry out tasks or do the complete opposite to what is being requested of them.
- May have frequent tantrums
- The tantrums may last for a long time.
- Difficulty starting or maintaining friendships
- May become physically aggressive
- Changes to sleep routine, trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep throughout
- They are difficult to discipline.
- ‘Typical’ behavioural strategies are ineffective.
Strategies for parents
Introduce a set time period for example 10 minutes where you can have w uninterrupted one-to-one with the child and time to build on your relationship.
Play alongside your child, mimic, what they are doing.
Give short instructions.
Look out for signs or triggers that may cause your child to become upset. Keep a record of these.
School Age
Between the age of 6-17 children learn to become independent of their parent/carers and begin to form their own opinions. Children’s speech, writing and learning skills become embedded and their emotions will further develop and they will experience jealousy, love, sadness as well as many more. They will express their emotions through words and gestures. Children will further develop friendships and form best friends during this stage.