Child development is the changes that occur at different ages.
Child development includes four main areas:
- Motor development It involves the development of both large and small motor skills, which are necessary for a child's integration into the environment. Motor skills develop in a specific sequence and a specific skill is appropriate for a specific age (e.g., climbing, walking, the ability to hold a pencil, the ability to write, etc.).
- Cognitive development It is a multifaceted process that includes the development of a child's thinking, speech, learning, problem-solving, and other skills.
- Language and communication. Communication with the outside world, mother, and other people is carried out not only through language and speech, but also through other ways of communication, such as gestures, eye movements, and facial expressions - which is one of the important components of a child's development.
- Social and emotional skills Through development, a child learns to control his emotions and reactions to the environment.
Monitoring a child's development is essential for timely detection and elimination of problems.
Stages of child development
Child development milestones are assessments of behaviors that specialists use as benchmarks to assess development. In general, all children develop at their own pace, however, the norms established by specialists are based on the skills that a child should be able to perform at a specific age.
Child development is usually divided into 5 stages:
- Infancy (from birth to 12 months)
- Early childhood (ages 1 to 3)
- Preschool period (ages 3-5)
- Late childhood (school) period (5 to 12 years old)
- Adolescence (12 to 18 years old)
Skills by age
A child's skills gradually increase as they grow older, especially after the age of one. Each subsequent stage of development builds on the skills acquired in the previous stage.
15 months old
At this age, most children can:
- Stand and take a few steps
- Picking up food and other items with hands
- Clapping to express joy
- Pointing at objects with your finger
- Expressing love with hugs and kisses
- Repeating the behavior of other children/adults
- Saying a 2-word sentence (possibly with word distortion)
- Identifying an object by naming it (e.g., when the word “ball” is said, the child looks at the ball or points a finger)
- Following simple instructions, e.g. delivering a named item to mother, etc.
- Asking for help: by naming a word or pointing to the desired object
- Using objects for their intended purpose, such as a cup, book, shovel, etc.
18 months old
- Walks without holding hands or leaning on objects
- Participates in performing routine actions. For example: uses your hands to get dressed.
- Eats food with a spoon (not fingers), tries to drink from a cup independently (sometimes spills part of it)
- Gets in and out of a chair without assistance
- Begins to explore the environment – tries to stay a short distance away from the mother, but often checks her vicinity
- Book reading time is getting longer – listens to a few pages read by a parent
- Repeats simple actions of adults, such as clearing the table, sweeping the floor
- Knows at least 3 words besides “mama” and “daddy.” Can follow simple verbal instructions
2 years old
- Uses both hands at the same time. For example: can hold an object with one hand and open it with the other
- Can perceive emotions when someone is angry or upset
- Observes facial expressions to understand the reaction to his actions
- Expresses personal opinion – in 2-word sentences
- Correctly points to body parts you name (hand, foot, nose, etc.); points to an object or picture when asked to show it
- Uses complex gestures – in addition to waving or pointing, he can move his head to express agreement/disagreement, send kisses, and more.
- Uses buttons on device or plays with multiple toys at once
- Uses a spoon independently
- Runs, rolls a ball, climbs stairs – using only the legs, without bending or using the hands to support themselves
2,5 years old
- Plays next to or with other children
- Follows instructions expressed in simple words, for example: “Brush your teeth, comb your hair, it’s time for bed, etc.
- Vocabulary includes at least 50 words. Can speak simple sentences. Names at least 1 color.
- Plays imaginary games. For example: A cube is food that is offered to a doll.
- Turns a doorknob independently, opens a jar lid, and can turn pages of a book one by one
- Tries to solve a problem. For example, uses a chair to pick up an object that is hanging from a height.
- Can jump from a height with both feet
- Can become a leader independently
3 years old
- Handles separation emotions, calms down within about 10 minutes (after separation from mother or leaving the playground)
- Takes initiative to play with other children
- Expands vocabulary, asks questions, uses action words to describe the image in the picture
- Correctly states his/her age and identity when asked
- Understands and follows warnings. For example, not to touch hot surfaces, not to climb off the balcony, etc.
- Uses a fork
- Tries to dress independently – loose pants or a sweater
4 years old
- Impersonates an animal or another person while playing
- Trying to comfort another child, for example when they are crying or upset
- Can behave appropriately for the environment (e.g., behaves differently in the library and on the playground)
- Can identify danger and try to avoid it (e.g., not jumping from a high place unless there is a guardrail)
- Trying to help mom, dad, and others
- Can speak sentences of 4 or more words, repeat a phrase from a rhyme or story. Tells what he/she did during the day
- Can answer simple questions. For example: “Whose shoes are these?”
- Can name the colors of different objects
- Draws people with more detail (head, limbs, clothing, other items)
- Can catch a large ball in the air
- Opens buttons. Holds pencils and other items securely.
5 years old
- Obeys the rules of the game, or waits his turn in the game
- Tries to help mother with simple household chores, such as clearing the table, sorting the laundry
- Tells the story in detail
- Counts to 10, can understand words that define time: yesterday, today, tomorrow
- Can concentrate on one thing for 5-10 minutes
- Can recognize some letters in the alphabet or recognize the letters that make up their own name
- Opens and closes buttons
- Hops on one leg
What happens when a child cannot perform a certain age-appropriate activity?
If your child is unable to perform some activities that are typical for their age, this It may be completely normal. Children develop at different rates – some develop certain skills earlier, while others develop them later. In addition, children's abilities in different areas also differ (e.g., drawing, letter recognition, etc.).
Important in the process Observation over time – Skills often progress gradually.
it's important Support and practice – Give your child the opportunity to try activities in a fun and stress-free environment, such as imaginative play or drawing shapes.
Encouraging strengths – Focus on the things your child does well; this builds confidence and helps develop other skills.
if necessary Consultation with a specialist– If a child's overall skills fall short of age norms, it is necessary to visit a pediatrician and then a specialist to accurately assess the current condition and determine developmental needs.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21559-child-development
