Children are constantly growing and changing. Every day new skills, new tasks and new personality traits are developing. A child goes through several developmental stages, each distinctive and important to the child’s growth to adulthood.
Children develop at different levels, so it’s often difficult to tell if your child is “on schedule.” There are, however, some typical developmental milestones that children make. Also, there are some signals that your pediatrician may need to be aware of. If you are unsure whether your child is on a normal developmental schedule, it is important to seek your pediatrician’s advice early. Early intervention can make a difference in your child’s later development.
The Child Life Staff at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital suggests the following guidelines for parents to be able to recognize the various developmental achievements of their child. Remember, each child is unique and will develop on his or her own time frame.
Infants – Satisfaction comes from having basic needs met: food, sleep, comfort and shelter.
Babies at three months old respond to human faces within their line of vision, raise their heads while laying down, smile, “coo,” and roll part of the way to the side while lying on their back. They like to be held and rocked and notice bright colors and patterns.
Babies at six months old hold their head erect, sit supported for brief periods, grasp and hold objects, extend arms to be held, jabber, coo, and laugh aloud, follow moving objects with their eyes, turn toward a sound and begin to roll over.
At nine months, infants notice and smile at images in the mirror, listen to their own voices, squeal, crawl or scoot across the floor, respond to music either by cooing or ceasing crying, and imitate sounds and gestures. They like to be near their parents, can sit steadily for long periods of time and constantly grasp for objects, particularly between the thumb and first two fingers.
At one year, babies begin to show emotions of affection, anger and jealousy. They attempt to say “Mommy” and “Daddy,” imitate sounds, and stand and walk with support and alone for short spans. They often demonstrate fear of strangers, heights, and separation from parents. They will cry when scolded, resist having toys taken away, and physically demonstrate frustration.
Toddlers – Children one to three years old, are beginning to experiment with their independence. If they are not allowed to learn and develop on their own, toddlers may develop a sense of shame and doubt and learn to accept defeat in battles of will. Toddlers walk, run, climb, and jump. They learn to feed and dress themselves, develop bladder and bowel control and eat solid foods. Toddlers are curious, develop a vocabulary of about 300 words, talk in simple sentences, and begin to solve problems through trial and error.
Pre-Schoolers – ages three to five, have greatly expanded imaginations because of their improved ability to communicate and move on their own. They are aware of male and female roles, enjoy “playacting,” and may have an imaginary friend. At this age, children are able to climb, throw a ball, use scissors, brush their teeth, and recognize different body parts. They talk more clearly and frequently, often asking, “Why?”
Listed above are typical developmental milestones that an average healthy child will achieve. However, all children develop at different paces and at their own rate. If your child has not reached a milestone or seems to be advancing past his or her age, this should not be a sign of alarm. It should, however, be a topic of conversation between you and your child’s pediatrician. The pediatrician can then address any pending complications.
For more information on developmental stages, speak with your child’s pediatrician or call the Children’s Hospital Community Relations Department at (865) 541-8165.

… read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.

... read the rest of the story by Subscribing now.