Articles in the
Growth Stages section are divided into three groups: 0-2 Years, 3-5
Years, 6-12
Years Articles
for teens 13-18 years will be found in our Teen
Spot section.
The following articles will provide information
for each age group as specified. Subject matter
will range from breastfeeding for the 0-2 years
category to bullying in the 6-12 years category.
» Walk without support » Take off their
clothing » Walk backwards
without support » Kick a ball » Stack blocks
Two to three years
» Jump, climb and run » Turn doorknobs » Increased finger dexterity » Draw basic pictures
Three to six years
» Improved coordination » Hop and skip » Ride a bicycle » Draw pictures and color inside the lines » Print letters of the alphabet
Motor Skills Development
Children’s
bodies are constantly changing. This complex process
continues throughout their childhood. No two children
progress at the same rate.
If your child seems to be developing a little more
slowly than other children, do not worry. If there
is a large disparity between your child’s
development and others her age, you may want to
consult with your child’s doctor.
The first year
1-2 Months: Lift
their heads when lying on their stomach 2-3
Months: Grasp objects that are placed in
their hands 4-6 Months: May roll over onto their sides; can sit propped
up 7-9
Months: Pull themselves up to a standing
position while holding on to things; begin crawling;
increased finger and thumb dexterity 10-12 Months: Can
stand without support; begin walking with help
Continued
on right column »
6-9
MONTHS
» Unsure of strangers » Plays simple games »May get upset when separated from caregiver » Responds to his/her name
9-12
MONTHS »Expresses feelings such as happy, sad, mad,
etc. » Emotionally attached to parent or caregiver » Enjoys being read to and looking at books » Imitates others’ actions
12-18 MONTHS
» Likes to explore » Says simple words such as “mama and
dada” » Is confident, but does not like changes
in routine
18-24 MONTHS »Plays with other children » Enjoys stories and songs » Says “NO”! » Demonstrates loving feelings toward others
24-30 MONTHS »Uses words to communicate » Likes people but may be shy in unfamiliar
places »Enjoys games
30-36
MONTHS »Plays independently » Begins to share with others » Separates from caregiver without difficulty
in familiar places
Social and Emotional Development
Social and emotional achievements are often
harder to distinguish than signs of physical development.
Differences result from a child’s temperament,
disabilities, cultural influences, and opportunities
provided for social interaction.
Some children are cheerful and adaptable while others
are not. This difference in temperament will affect
how a child responds to new situations and changes,
thereby affecting his social and emotional growth.
0-3 MONTHS
»Looks at faces and listens to voices » Cries, smiles » Quiets when picked up
3-6
MONTHS
» Smiles and laughs » Cries when upset » Waves arms and legs when excited
