Child development is the growth; maturity and learning that takes place in the early stages of life and is quantified through physical, cognitive, and social landmarks.
Preschoolers (3-5 years old)
This stage of development is marked by the need to explore the world beyond the family unit. Generally, children at this point become more self-sufficient, have a greater capacity to relate to others, grasp gender uniqueness, assist in dressing themselves, recall stories and songs, and can ride a three-wheel bicycle. See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Preschoolers)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list the following parenting tips:
• Continue to read to your child. Nurture her love for books by taking her to the library or bookstore.
• Let your child help with simple chores.
• Encourage your child to play with other children. This helps him to learn the value of sharing and friendship.
• Help your child’s language by speaking to her in complete sentences and in “adult” language. Help her to use the correct words and phrases.
• Be clear and consistent when disciplining your child. Model the behavior that you expect from him.
Childhood (6-8 years old)
This stage of development is marked by self-sufficiency. Generally, children at this point go to school, make friends, join sports, dress and undress themselves unaided, grasp right and wrong, have a sense of past, present and future, become more empathetic, and can articulate thoughts better. See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Middle Childhood)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list the following parenting tips:
• Show affection for your child. Recognize her accomplishments.
• Help your child develop a sense of responsibility—ask him to help with household tasks, such as setting the table.
• Talk with your child about school, friends, and things she looks forward to in the future.
• Talk with your child about respecting others. Encourage him to help people in need.
• Help your child set her own achievable goals—she’ll learn to take pride in herself and rely less on approval or reward from others.
• Make clear rules and stick to them, such as how long your child can watch TV or when he has to go to bed. Be clear about what behavior is okay and what is not okay.
• Help your child learn patience by letting others go first or by finishing a task before going out to play. Encourage him to think about possible consequences before acting.
• Do fun things together as a family, such as playing games, reading, and going to events in your community.
• Get involved with your child’s school. Meet the teachers and staff to understand the learning goals and how you and the school can work together to help your child do well.
• Continue reading to your child. As your child learns to read, take turns reading to each other.
• Use discipline to guide and protect your child, rather than punishment to make her feel badly about herself.
• Support your child in taking on new challenges. Encourage him to solve problems, such as a disagreement with another child, on his own.
Childhood (9-11 years old)
This stage of development is marked by the beginnings of puberty. Generally, children at this point cope with peer pressure, gain a sense of responsibility, become emotionally attached to friends, have a greater sense of body image, and handle increased academic duties. See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Middle Childhood cont.)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list the following parenting tips:
• Spend time with your child. Talk with her about her friends, her accomplishments, and what challenges she will face.
• Be involved with your child’s school. Go to school events; meet your child’s teachers.
• Encourage your child to join school and community groups, such as a team sport, or to take advantage of volunteer opportunities.
• Help your child develop his own sense of right and wrong. Talk with him about risky things friends may pressure him to do, like smoking or dangerous physical dares.
• Help your child develop a sense of responsibility—involve your child in household tasks.
• Talk to your child about saving and spending money wisely.
• Meet the families of your child’s friends.
• Talk with your child about respecting others. Encourage your child to help people in need.
• Talk with him or her about what to do when others are not kind or are disrespectful.
• Help your child set his own goals. Encourage him to think about skills and abilities he would like to have and about how to develop them.
• Make clear rules and stick to them. Talk to your child about what you expect from her when no adults are supervising. If you provide reasons for rules, it will help your child to know what to do in those situations.
• Use discipline to guide and protect your child, instead of punishment to make him feel badly about himself.
• Talk with your child about the normal physical and emotional changes of puberty.
• Encourage your child to read every day. Talk with her about her homework.
• Be affectionate and honest with your child, and do things together as a family.
