Developmental Milestones
Developmental challenges affect not only your child but also your family. As a parent, you have a deep understanding and compassion for these challenges. Yet, navigating this path can be incredibly daunting, especially when you're unsure where to turn for guidance.
It's only natural to feel worried and uncertain about the best steps to take. If you're seeking support, there are a few steps you might consider:
Developmental challenges affect not only your child but also your family. As a parent, you have a deep understanding and compassion for these challenges. Yet, navigating this path can be incredibly daunting, especially when you're unsure where to turn for guidance.
It's only natural to feel worried and uncertain about the best steps to take. If you're seeking support, there are a few steps you might consider:
Speaking with a Pediatrician: They can offer professional insights and recommend specialists.
Connect with Support Groups: Other parents who have faced similar situations can offer invaluable advice and support.
Educational Resources: Many schools and organizations have resources for children with developmental challenges.
Therapists and Counselors: Professional support can be beneficial not just for the child, but for the entire family.
Developmental Milestones
Developmental Milestones are included at the age most children (75%) would be expected to demonstrate the milestone.
Criteria for Developmental Milestones
Are easy for families of different social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds to observe and use
Are able to be answered with “yes”, “not yet”, or “not sure”
Use plain language, avoiding vague terms like “may”, “can”, and “begins”
Are organized in developmental domains
Show progression of skills with age, when possible
Sample of Developmental Milestones by Age
1 month
Turns head from check to cheek when on tummy
Lifts head momentarily when on tummy
Lifts head (bobbing) when held in vertical position at adult’s shoulder
Kicks legs rhythmically 2-3 cycles when on their back
Looks at faces and objects
6 months
Puts things in her mouth to eplore them
Reaches to grab a toy he wants
Rolls from tummy to back
Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
Knows familiar people
12 months
Waves “bye-bye”
Looks for things he sees you hide, like a toy under a blanket
Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
Pulls up to stand
Walks, holding onto furniture
24 months
Holds something in 1 hand while using the other hand, for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
Plays with greater than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate
Kicks a ball
Runs
3 years
Draws a circle when you show him how
Avoids touching hot objects, like a stove, when you warn her
Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
Calms down within 10 min after you leave her, like at childcare drop off
4 years
Names a few colors of items
Tells what comes next in a well-known story
Draws a person with greater than 3 body parts
Catches a large ball most of the time
Serves himself food or pours water, with adult supervision
5 years
Counts to 10
Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them
Uses words about time, like “yesterday”, “tomorrow”, “morning”, or “night”
Pays attention for 5-10 minutes during activities, for example, during story time or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count)
Writes some letters in her name
If you need more information about developmental milestones or need to discuss specific concerns and seek more targeted advice, please contact Child First. We are here to help you explore options.