Children Development Stages

Many parents often worry that there child is behind or slower than other peoples children. Every child is an individual and each have their development progress speed. Also, their stages usually develop over time and not over night. One child may excel in certain areas of development but be behind other children in other areas e.g. Not able to walk until they are 18 months however able to sounds words earlier than other children. This is perfectly normal.

Below is a typical chart showing the stages from birth to the age of six, each child has their own steps in personal development however the below is quite common. But please note that they are general steps, your child may reach some steps earlier and some later. You can always consult with a doctor if you think that there are abnormalities or issues in reaching the development steps.

This is the period where physically development is the fastest. Children learn to gain control of their limbs with general movement and motor control.

Even before they can speak, they learn a lot about language simply from hearing you speak from your tones and body language. Children also develop emotional needs and quickly grow attached to a caregiver. Some children even learn to walk at this stage.

As children can move around move at this age they become very curious about their surroundings while at the same time, fine tuning their movement and balance coordination. At this time many children lean self-control and are able to develop their mental and social skills with people other than family members. They also be able to display their emotions and feelings more, such as mood swings, the terrible twos etc.. Most sounds may still be unintelligible however they will probably start to pick up vocab or may even string together a simple 2-3 word sentence.

Since children are very energetic at this period, they will probably need regular scheduled time to use this energy and just as important, time quieter calmer activities. Playing and cooperating with other children is also a skill that needs fine tuning at this age, adults watch need to tell the children directly if their interaction is poor or unfair. Children need to understand and consider the feelings of others.

Children will also need to know how to handle frustration, use with the aid of elders. A frustrated child may act wild and cause further damage or injury.

Toys with part that fits together are very good for the child's problem solving development.

While their fine motor skills continue to develop, so does their art skills. They will enjoy drawing and colouring more and like stories being read.

Children at this age start to become more independent with things such as using the toilet, washing and preparing simple foods.

At this age they will also take an active role in joining in conversations with mainly other children but also adult if they understand the topic. This is a good way to learning politeness my knowing when to interrupt and what to say.

By this stage, since they can do a range of physical activities, they begin to attempt what older kids or doing making it a very dangerous phase. Some children become too brave and don't understand the real dangers.

A lot of games children like to play e.g. role playing game help the child's social skills and encourage them to share and cooperate with others. Children will also learn about how to assist people. A good balance of independence is observed at this stage however they still the security of people close to them.

Not only adults but a good relationship with carers is a good basis for learning since children like to show their abilities to everyone, not just their parents.

As their literacy and numeracy skills develop, conversations with adults become more important since they are able to ask more detailed questions and understand more complex topics.