Photo by Cengizhan Konuş.
Research reveals that a child’s brain goes through a period of rapid growth during their early years, as they are learning more than they will at any other time in their life. This is why it’s important that your child has opportunities to learn and develop every day.
Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. The way children play, learn, speak, behave, and move shows how they’re reaching them. Having an encouraging environment, plus good nutrition and health will help the brain develop and positively influence your child’s physical, social, emotional, cognitive and language skills.
As a parent, it’s exciting to see your child reach their developmental milestones. Visit the resources from Starting Blocks, a government website, to find out what to expect from your child and how to track their growth.
Remember, all children develop at a different rate; however, if you’re really worried about your child’s development, see your child’s paediatrician, GP or child and health care nurse – in case an early intervention is needed.
Birth to 4 Months
4 to 8 Months
8 to 12 Months
1 to 2 Years
2 to 3 Years
3 to 5 Years
Download an infographic on why your child’s early years are important for learning and development.
