Understanding Normal Child Development Article by Mary Asomah...
...Every parent is concerned about the development of their child, and wants assurance
that their child is growing and developing at a healthy rate.
If you are a parent who has a basic understanding of child development you will have a
clear understanding of how your child is most likely to develop, you’ll have a basic
calendar of events to look forward to, and you’ll be better able to stimulate your
child and encourage and assist him in healthy and age appropriate growth and development.
An understanding of normal child development can also draw attention to any potential
growth and development challenges your child may encounter along the way. As your child
reaches the chronological age that a particular milestone typically occurs in, then you
can foster that growth by providing opportunities for him to learn.
For example, at 12 weeks, an infant who is following the typical path of normal child
development is learning to raise his head and shoulders to 90 degrees when he is
lying on his belly. A great way to encourage your baby to develop the physical strength
to reach this milestone is to allow him ample ‘tummy time.’
When your baby is alert and content, lay him on a blanket on the floor; then get right
down on the floor with him. Call to your baby, hold a toy out for him to look at, find
a way to entertain him for short periods of time so that he has a chance to build up
those neck and shoulder muscles.
But don’t push it...
When your baby starts to get fussy, pick him up. Try and fit in a few times throughout
the day to allow your baby to explore the world while on his tummy.
Normal child development is gauged in a child’s cognitive development as well as his
physical development. At around 6 months of age, babies are beginning to develop object
permanence, which means that when an object is taken out of his sight he still remember
that it exists.
A great way to help your baby develop this cognitive milestone during child development
is to play peek-a-boo. Cover your face with a blanket and then whip it off with a smile.
Your baby will be thrilled to see you re-appear again and again. Eventually, as your baby
begins to figure it out, he will take the blanket off your face, because he will suddenly
be in on the joke. He will have developed object permanence.
Babies also love to practice object permanence by dropping toys and watching you pick
them up. So the next time your baby throws his toy off the high chair for the twentieth time,
remind yourself that you are helping him develop his cognitive abilities by continuing to pick
that toy up and put it back on the high chair.
A child masters an impressive list of accomplishments during infancy and toddler-hood.
He begins life unable to lift his chin or effectively communicate his wants and needs.
But week by week he follows a chain of events developing skills and achieving milestones
as he makes his way along the path of normal child development.
Being aware of these milestones will allow
you to be more aware and more involved in the growth and development of your child.
