Timekine of Growing Up a Baby to a Adult

Choosing quality care that is in a salubrious and safe surround should be your number i priority. Look for kid care that stimulates and encourages your child's physical, intellectual, and social growth. Proceed your child's age and personality in mind when looking for the program that best meets his needs. Agreement what makes your child feel secure and knowing the activities he enjoys and will learn from volition make a difference in your concluding child care decision.

Personality

Each child has his own personality and responds to caregivers or experiences differently. Just like adults, children may have outgoing, shy, or even-tempered natures. Your caregiver should be in tune with your kid'south special personality and treat your kid in a positive and caring fashion that agrees with his special personality. This is crucial to nurturing his good for you emotional growth. By understanding your kid'southward personality, you and your caregiver can assistance him succeed by offer care, activities, and field of study that best fit his needs.

Developmental stages

As your kid grows, you may observe yourself searching for clues to her beliefs. As a parent, you may hear the words "developmental stages." This is merely some other way of saying your child is moving through a certain fourth dimension menses in the growing-upward procedure. At times, she may be fascinated with her hands, her feet, and her mouth. Equally she grows, she may get into everything. Lock your doors and cabinets, and take a deep jiff during those exploration years! So there will be an historic period when independence is all she wants. At every stage, what she needs is your love, understanding, and time.

Parent Tip

Recent brain research indicates that birth to age iii are the most important years in a child's evolution. Hither are some tips to consider during your child'south early years:

Exist warm, loving, and responsive.
Talk, read, and sing to your child.
Establish routines and rituals.
Encourage condom explorations and play.
Make TV watching selective.
Use subject field as an opportunity to teach.
Recognize that each child is unique.
Cull quality kid care and stay involved.
Take care of yourself.

For more information, visit the Commencement 5 California Parents' Site

Learning styles

Children learn in many dissimilar ways. Each kid has his own way of learning—some acquire visually, others through touch, gustatory modality, and sound. Watch a grouping of children and you'll understand at once what this means. 1 kid will sit and listen patiently, some other cannot look to motion and count beads. Another wants you to evidence her the respond over and over. Children besides learn in different ways depending on their developmental stage. I affair we know is all children dear to learn new things past exploring and discovering. Children love to solve bug during play and in daily activities.

Look for a child care provider who understands children's learning styles and includes reading, learning numbers, art activities, rhyming, and trouble solving in your child'due south daily activities. Also, find out how your provider encourages your child to empathize and benefit from daily activities and experiences.

Tips for looking for a child care provider during the first xviii months of life

Wait for a provider who:

Is warm and friendly.
Interacts with your infant and has eye contact.
Talks to your infant while diapering.
Includes your infant in activities, but keeps her condom from older children.
Avoids the use of walkers.
Has feeding and sleeping practices similar to yours.
Allows the infant to eat and sleep whenever she wishes rather than follow a schedule.

Ages and stages

Depending upon the historic period of your kid, his learning style and personality, your child will take dissimilar needs. The first five years are especially crucial for physical, intellectual, and social-emotional development. Proceed your kid'southward personality and historic period in mind when looking for child care experiences and activities. The following pages provide insight into a child's developmental stages from birth through fourteen years.

Return to Top

Nascence to xviii months: an overview

In the outset eighteen months after birth, an baby makes miraculous progress. In this relatively short time span, an baby sees her world through her senses. Babies gather information through touch, sense of taste, smell, sight, and audio. To assist infants mature and learn, the caregiver should stimulate but not overwhelm them. The overall goal is not to "teach" your baby only to interact and explore her world with her. Older infants are on the motility. They accept keen pleasure in discovering what they can exercise with their voice, hands, feet, and toes. Soon they practise rolling skills, crawling, walking, and other great physical adventures. Through "the optics of a child," here is what you might look during the first eighteen months.

One month

What I'm Like: I can't support my ain caput and I'm awake about i hr in every ten (though it may seem more).

What I Need: I need milk, a smoke-complimentary environment, a warm place to sleep, hugs and kisses, and to hear your loving phonation. It'south non too early on to sing or read to me. The more you lot talk and introduce dissimilar things to me, the more I learn.

Three months

What I'1000 Similar: My hands and feet fascinate me. I'll laugh and coo at them and y'all. I'm warning for 15 minutes, perhaps longer, at a time. I dearest to listen to you talk and read to me.

What I Need: Talk to me, feed me, and sing to me. My favorite songs are lullabies. Caress me. I need fresh air, a ride in a stroller. Give me things to pull and teethe on.

Five months

What I'one thousand Like: I may be able to roll over and sit with support. I can concord my ain toys. I blubbering and am alarm for two hours at a time. I tin can eat virtually baby food. Put toys but out of my reach and I will effort to reach them. I similar to come across what I wait like and what I am doing.

What I Need: Brand sure I'm safe as I'm learning to crawl. I need happy sounds, and I like to exist near you lot. Trip the light fantastic toe with me, tickle me, and tell me about the world yous see.

Nine months

What I'm Like: I'grand busy! I like to explore everything! I crawl, sit down, pull on piece of furniture, grasp objects, and empathize elementary commands. I like to be with other babies and I react to their happiness and sadness.

What I Need: I demand locks on cabinets with medicines, household cleaners, or other dangerous things. Put away small-scale sharp objects. I need touches, nutritious food, and educational toys to keep me busy.

Twelve months

What I'm Like: I may be able to pull myself up and sidestep around furniture. I may begin walking. I make lots of sounds and say "Mama" and "Dada." I'one thousand curious almost flowers, ants, grass, stones, bugs, and clay. I like to get messy, 'cause that'due south how I learn. My fingers want to touch everything. I similar to play near others close to my historic period but non always with them. If I'm walking, please walk at my pace.

What I Demand: I demand lots of cuddling and encouragement. I need a safe place to move around as I will exist getting into annihilation I can go my hands on. Read to me once again and again. Sing our favorite songs. Give me freedom to do most things—until I need help. So please stay nearly.

Twelve to eighteen months

What I'k Like: I similar to swallow with a spoon, even if I spill. And I will spill, spill, spill. I will explore everything high and depression, and so please go on me condom. I may have temper tantrums because I have no other way of expressing my feelings or frustrations. Sometimes I'm fearful and cling to you. I like to have evening routines: music, story, and bath fourth dimension. I like balls, blocks, pull toys, push toys, take apart toys, put together toys, and cuddles. Sometimes I say "No" and hateful information technology. By xviii months I can walk well by myself, although I fall a lot. I may jump. I say lots of words, specially the word "mine"—because everything is mine! I similar it when we play outside or go to a park. I like existence with other children. I attempt to take off my shoes and socks. I like to build with blocks.

What I Need: Allow me bear upon things. Let me try new things with your help, if I need it. I need firm limits and consistency. Delight give me praise. The more you talk with me, the earlier I will tell you how I feel and what I need. I demand y'all to notice me and to empathise why I'm upset or mad. I need your understanding and patience. I want a routine. I need you to not mind the mess I sometimes make. I need you to say I'thousand sorry if you made a mistake. And please read to me over and over again!

The Toddler's Creed

If I want it, information technology's mine. If I give information technology to y'all and change my mind later, it's mine. If I take information technology abroad from yous, information technology's mine. If information technology'due south mine information technology will never vest to anybody else, no matter what. If we are edifice something together, all the pieces are mine. If information technology looks just like mine, information technology'southward mine.

Eighteen months through two years: an overview

During the next stage of life, your child is get-go to define himself. Wait for child care activities that spur his imagination and vocabulary. During the toddler years, children get into everything, so do your best to keep your child safe from a potential accident. All the same, realize accidents do happen fifty-fifty to the most careful parents and children.

When looking for quality intendance for your toddler, consider:

Is the kid care setting safe and does it provide pocket-size group sizes and adult-to-kid ratios?
Are at that place enough toys and activities so sharing isn't a trouble?
Are there a lot of toys for building which can be put together?
Is there a dress-up area?
Do art activities allow the children the liberty to make their own art or do all crafts expect the same?
And last, what are the toilet grooming and discipline practices of the provider?

Two years

What I'yard Like: I am loving, affectionate, and responsive to others. I feel sorry or pitiful when others my age are upset. I may fifty-fifty like to please yous. I don't need you so shut for protection, merely please don't go also far away. I may do the exact opposite of what you desire. I may be rigid, not willing to expect or give in. I may even be bossy. "Me" is one of my favorite words. I may take fears, especially of sounds, separation, moving household objects, or that big dog.

What I Demand: I need to keep exploring the globe, down the block, the parks, library, and stores, etc. I like my routines. If you lot have to change them, exercise so slowly. I demand you lot to notice what I do well and PRAISE me. Give me two OK choices to distract me when I begin to say "No." I need y'all to be in control and make decisions when I'thousand unable to do and then. I do amend when you programme ahead. Be Business firm with me about the rules, but Calm when I forget or disagree. And please be patient because I am doing my all-time to please you, fifty-fifty though I may not deed that way.

Render to Summit

3 through five years: an overview

During the preschool years, your kid will be incredibly decorated. Cutting, pasting, painting, and singing are all daily activities. When your child starts kindergarten around age v, make sure home and child intendance activities include learning numbers, letters, and simple directions. Most public school kindergarten programs are ordinarily only a few hours a day. You may need care before and afterwards schoolhouse. Information technology is never too early on to begin your search.

When looking for quality treat your preschooler, consider:

Are at that place other children the same age or close in age to your child?
Is in that location space for climbing, running, and jumping?
Are there books and learning activities to fix your child for school?
Is television and motion-picture show watching selective?
Are learning materials and teaching styles historic period-appropriate and respectful of children's cultural and ethnic heritage?
Are caregivers experienced and trained in early childhood development?
Are children given choices to exercise and learn things for themselves?
Are children rushed to complete activities or tasks?
Or are they given plenty time to work at their own footstep?

Three years

What I'm Like: Watch out! I am charged with physical energy. I do things on my own terms. My mind is a sponge. Reading and socializing are essential in getting me gear up for school. I like to pretend a lot and enjoy scribbling on everything. I am full of questions, many of which are "Why?" I become fairly reliable about using the potty. I may stay dry at night and may not. Playing and trying new things out are how I learn. Sometimes I like to share. I brainstorm to listen more and begin to understand how to solve issues for myself.

What I Need: I want to know about everything and empathise words, and when encouraged, I will use words instead of grabbing, crying, or pushing. Play with me, sing to me, and let'due south pretend!

Four years

What I'm Like: I'm in an active stage, running, hopping, jumping, and climbing. I dear to question "Why?" and "How?" I'thou interested in numbers and the world around me. I enjoy playing with my friends. I similar to be creative with my drawings, and I may like my pictures to be different from everyone else'southward. I'm curious virtually "sleepovers" simply am non sure if I'k set however. I may desire to be just like my older sister or brother. I am proud that I am and then Large now!

What I Need: I need to explore, to try out, and to test limits. Giving me room to abound doesn't mean letting me practice everything. I demand reasonable limits fix for my own protection and for others. Permit me know clearly what is or isn't to exist expected. I demand to learn to give and accept and play well with others. I need to be read to, talked to, and listened to. I need to be given choices and to acquire things in my own way. Characterization objects and depict what's happening to me so I tin learn new words and things.

V years

What I'm Like: I'm slowing a lilliputian in growth. I have proficient motor control, but my small muscles aren't as developed equally my large muscles for jumping. My action level is high and my play has direction. I similar writing my name, drawing pictures, making projects, and going to the library. I'm more interested now in doing group activities, sharing things and my feelings. I like quiet time away from the other kids from time to fourth dimension. I may be anxious to brainstorm kindergarten.

What I Need: I need the opportunity for plenty of active play. I need to do things for myself. I like to have choices in how I learn new things. But most of all, I demand your love and assurance that I'chiliad important. I need time, patience, understanding, and genuine attention. I am learning well-nigh who I am and how I fit in with others. I demand to know how I am doing in a positive way. I understand more about things and how they piece of work, so yous tin can requite me a more detailed answer. I have a big imagination and pretend a lot. Although I'1000 becoming taller, your lap is withal one of my favorite places.

Six through eight years: an overview

Children at this historic period accept busy days filled with recess, homework, and tear-jerking fights with their friends. They begin to think and plan alee. They take a yard questions. This age group has expert and bad days just similar adults. Get ready, considering information technology'south only the beginning!

When looking for quality care for your school-age child, consider:

Is the staff or provider trained to work with school-age children?
Is there space for sports activities, climbing, running, and jumping?
Are there materials that will involvement your child?
Is television receiver and movie watching selective?
Is there a tranquillity place to practice homework or read?
Is transportation available?

Six years

What I'thou Similar: Appreciating and excited over school, I get eagerly near of the time. I am self-centered and can be quite demanding. I think of myself as a big kid now. I tin exist impatient, wanting my demands to be met NOW. Still I may take forever to exercise ordinary things. I like to be with older children more than than with younger ones. I often accept one close friend, and sometimes we will exclude a 3rd child.

What I Demand: This might be my outset year in real schoolhouse. Although it's fun, it'southward also scary. I need you to provide a condom place for me. Routines and consistency are important. Don't accept my behavior one day and correct me for the aforementioned behavior tomorrow. Gear up and explain rules about daily routines similar playtime and bedtime. I demand your praise for what I am doing well. Since I may go to before-and after-schoolhouse care, assist me become organized the dark before. Make sure I have everything ready for schoolhouse.

Render to Top

Seven years

What I'thousand Like: I am frequently more tranquillity and sensitive to others than I was at vi. Sometimes I can exist mean to others my historic period and younger. I may hurt their feelings, only I really don't mean to. I tend to be more polite and amusing to adult suggestions. By now I am conscious of my schoolwork and am showtime to compare my piece of work and myself with others. I desire my schoolwork to look "correct." If I make mistakes, I can easily become frustrated.

What I Need: I demand to tell y'all about my experiences, and I need the attending of other developed listeners. I really want you to listen to me and understand my feelings. Please don't put me downward or tell me I tin't practise information technology—help me to acquire in a positive way. Please check my homework and reading assignments. Let me go over to my friends and play when possible. I still need hugs, kisses, and a bedtime story.

Eight years

What I'grand Like: My curiosity and eagerness to explore new things continues to grow. Friends are more than important. I enjoy playing and being with peers. Recess may be my favorite "subject" in school. I may follow y'all around the business firm just to notice out how yous feel and think, particularly about me. I am also kickoff to exist aware of adults as individuals and am curious about what they do at work. Around the business firm or at child intendance, I can be quite helpful.

What I Need: My concept of an independent self has been developing. I affirm my individuality, and there are bound to be conflicts. I am expected to larn and read and to get along with others. I need support in my efforts then that I volition take a want for accomplishment. Your expectations will have a big touch on me. If I am not doing well in school, explain to me that anybody learns at a different step, and that tiny improvements make a divergence. Tell me that the near of import thing is to do my best. You lot can ask my teachers for ways to aid me at habitation. Issues in reading and writing should be handled now to avoid more trouble later. And busy viii-year-olds are usually hungry!

Ix through xi years: an overview

Children from nine to xi are like the socks they buy, with a not bad range of stretch. Some are even so "little kids" and others are quite mature. Some are already entering puberty, with trunk, emotions, and mental attitude changes during this stage. Parents need to take these changes into account when they are choosing child care for this age grouping. These children brainstorm to think logically and similar to piece of work on real tasks, such equally mowing lawns or baking. They have a lot of natural curiosity virtually living things and enjoy having pets.

What I'one thousand Similar: I have lots of energy, and concrete activities are of import to me. I like to take function in sports and group activities. I similar dress, music, and my friends. I'one thousand invited to sleepovers and to friends' houses oft. I want my pilus cut a certain fashion. I'm not as sure about schoolhouse equally I am well-nigh my social life. Those of u.s.a. who are girls are often taller and heavier than the boys. Some girls may be offset to prove signs of puberty, and we may exist self-conscious well-nigh that. I feel powerful and independent, as though I know what to practice and how to practice it. I can call back for myself and want to be independent. I may be eager to become an adult.

What I Need: I need you to go on communication lines open by setting rules and giving reasons for them, past being a skillful listener, and by planning ahead for changes in the schedule. Call back, I am still a child so don't expect me to human action similar an adult. Know that I like to be an active member of my household, to help program activities, and to be a office of the decision-making. Once I am 11 or older, I may exist set to take intendance of myself from fourth dimension to fourth dimension rather than become to child care. I even so need developed help and encouragement in doing my homework.

Every bit children enter adolescence, they want their independence. Yet they yet want to be children and need your guidance. Every bit your child grows, it'southward easier to get out him at dwelling house for longer periods of fourth dimension and too ask him to care for younger children. Trust your instincts and picket your child to make sure you are not placing besides much responsibility on him at one time. Talk to him. Proceed the door open up. Make certain he is comfortable with a new part of caregiver and is still able to cease his school piece of work and other projects.

Xi through fourteen years: an overview

Your child is irresolute so fast—in body, mind, and emotions—that y'all hardly know her anymore. 1 day she's every bit responsible and cooperative as an developed; the next twenty-four hours she's more like a half-dozen-year-old. Planning beyond today's baseball or sleep political party is hard. One infinitesimal she'south sunny and enthusiastic. The next she'due south gloomy and silent. Proceed cool. These children are in procedure; they're becoming more self-sufficient. It's Independence Day!

What I'g Like: I'm more contained than I used to be, but I'thousand quite self-conscious. I think more like an adult, only in that location'due south no simple answer. I like to talk about issues in the adult world. I similar to remember for myself, and though I ofttimes experience confused, my opinions are important to me, and I desire others to respect them. I seem to be moving away from my family unit. Friends are more of import than ever. To have them similar me, I sometimes act in ways that adults disapprove of. Simply I still demand reasonable rules set by adults. However, I'yard more than agreement and cooperative. I want nothing to do with babysitters—in fact, if I'm mature enough I tin often be by myself or watch others.

What I Need: I need to know my family is behind me no matter how I may stumble in my attempts to grow up. This growing upwardly is serious business, and I demand to express joy and play a lot to lighten up and continue my residual. I demand you to understand that I'1000 doing my best and to encourage me to encounter my mistakes equally learning experiences. Please don't tease me nigh my wearing apparel, hair, boy/daughter friends. I too need privacy with my own space and things.