Category Archives: Child Development

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. However, each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Most children by age 9: Grow about 2.5in. (6cm) and gain about 7lb (3kg) in a year. Start to show a growth pattern related to gender: girls are starting to get taller and weigh more than boys. Lose about four baby teeth each year. These are replaced with permanent teeth. Understand that objects have uses and can be classified into different categories. For example, they recognize that a carrot is something to eat and is a type of vegetable. Can read and understand longer sentences up to 12 words. Can add and subtract 2-digit numbers, understand fractions, and are learning how to borrow and carry...

Children usually progress in a natural, predictable sequence from one developmental milestone to the next. However, each child grows and gains skills at his or her own pace. Some children may be advanced in one area, such as language, but behind in another, such as sensory and motor development. Most children by age 10: Grow about 2.5in. (6cm) and gain about 7lb (3kg) in a year. Have growth patterns related to gender: Girls are usually taller and weigh more than boys. Signs of early puberty may develop in girls, such as breast buds. Lose about four baby teeth each year. These are replaced by permanent teeth.Know the complete date (day of the week, day of the month, month, and year). Can name the months of the year in order. Can read and understand a paragraph of complex sentences. Enjoy being with their friends; they often have a stable "best" friend of the same gender. Continue to...

Promoting Healthy Growth and Development - age 11 to 14 years. During this often emotionally charged period, parents need to offer open, positive communication while providing clear and fair rules and consistent guidance. You significantly influence your adolescent’s habits and attitudes, choices, and adjustments to physical changes. However, realize that your child’s way of doing things do not always have to exactly match your own. Help your child identify important issues and be prepared for increasing responsibilities. Allow your child the freedom to figure things out in his or her own way within the boundaries you have set. Parents have the delicate responsibility of respecting a teen’s need for independence and privacy and making sure that he or she does not make mistakes that have lifelong consequences. Help your adolescent build healthy eating habits. Support your teen in making healthy choices by talking about what things make it easier or harder to eat well. Promote a...