Many parents worry about their children’s development at some point in their development or compare them to their friends’. Competitive parenting drives us all a little crazy; the habit of comparing our children with what our cousins or friends’ children are doing isn’t easy to break, and it can unnerve anyone.
Are you worrying too much or too little? How do you know when there’s reason to worry? Trust your instincts. You know your child best.
If you notice that your child is not developing like other children or that something doesn’t seem right, it’s important to talk to a trustworthy source.
Talk to your child’s doctor if you have any concerns at any time.
If you are ever concerned that your child is not expressing joy, communicating thoughts, or demonstrating understanding of your language, visual cues, and behavior, talk to your child’s doctor.
There are several tools pediatricians can use to assess your concerns. You can also complete the online developmental milestone checklist and share it with your pediatrician. This is a very effective way to communicate your concerns. Read these tips on ” How to Talk to Your Doctor ” for more information (in English and Spanish).
Remember, you know your child best, and your concerns are important . Together with your pediatrician, you’ll find the best way to help your child.
If you don’t feel heard or are still concerned, schedule another visit. If you’re still concerned, contact another doctor for a second opinion. Instincts come in very handy when it comes to parenting.
Please rest assured if your child exhibits any of the behaviors listed below.
Recognize developmental milestones in babies and children
The following are some signs that your child is developing excellent communication skills based on their age:
- Responds to his/her name between 9 and 12 months of age.
- Smiles at 2 months; laughs at 4 or 5 months; expresses great joy at his mood by about 6 months.
- Play and think that hiding your face behind your hands is fun at 9 months old.
- Makes eye contact with people during early childhood.
- Try to say the words you say between 12 and 18 months of age.
- Uses 5 words at 18 months of age.
- Copy their gestures like pointing, clapping, or waving.
- He imitates you, that is, he pretends to mix pancake batter when you give him a spoon and a bowl or pretends to talk on the phone with a toy cell phone.
- He shakes his head “no.”
- Waves to say hello at 15 months old.
- Points to show you something interesting or to get your attention at 18 months of age.