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Spring 2007

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Child Development

Child development is a process which every child moves through at his or her own pace. Every child follows a similar developmental path, but in their own, unique way.

Children develop skills in five main areas.

1. Cognitive Development: the ability to learn and solve problems.
For example:
  • a two-month-old baby learning to explore the environment with hands or eyes
  • a five-year-old learning how to do simple math problems
2. Social and Emotional Development: the ability to interact with others, control themselves and help others.
For example:
  • a six-week-old baby smiling
  • a ten-month-old baby waving bye-bye
  • a five-year-old boy knowing how to take turns in games at school
3. Speech and Language Development: the ability to understand and use language.
For example:
  • a twelve month old baby saying his first words
  • a two-year-old naming parts of her body
  • a five-year-old learning to say "feet" instead of "foots"
4. Fine Motor Skill Development: the ability to use small muscles.
For example:
  • picking up small objects
  • holding a spoon
  • turning pages in a book
  • using a crayon to draw
5. Gross Motor Skill Development: the ability to use large muscles.
For example:
  • a six month old learning how to sit with some support
  • a twelve month old pulling herself into a standing position by holding onto furniture
  • a five year old learning how to skip

Developmental Milestones 

A developmental milestone is a skill a child acquires within a certain timeframe. For instance, most children learn to walk between the ages of 9 and 15 months.

It is important to remember that while every child follows the same developmental path, each child's progress on that path is different. Some children move quickly down the path, but virtually all children end up at the same destination sooner or later.

If you have any concerns or questions about your child's development, contact your family doctor or local health nurse.