Developmental Stages: What to Expect
When you have not been in the throes of early parenthood for a few decades, it’s easy to forget exactly at what age kids start doing what. From holding their heads up on their own to running around the backyard, there are so many milestones to make note of and to be ready for.
The following websites can give you a quick reminder of what to expect from babies, toddlers and beyond as they grow and develop:
http://www.pbs.org/wholechild/abc/
http://www.babycenter.com/milestone-charts-birth-to-age-3
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/Pages/default.aspx
While tracking developmental stages can be helpful, it is also important to take them in stride and to remember that everyone goes at their own pace. For example, a healthy child developing normally may show signs of walking at as early as nine months or take their first steps at eighteen months. That’s a big difference!
It is natural to think your grandchild is a genius if they reach a milestone early or to be concerned if they are a late bloomer when it comes to a particular physical skill. Use the resources above to know the typical timeframes in which new developments will probably occur. You can also be prepared in baby proofing your house when you know what’s coming next!