网曝门事件

In your child鈥檚 first few years of life, you may hear the phrase 鈥渄evelopmental milestones.鈥� But what does that term even mean? And what happens if your child misses a milestone?

What are developmental milestones?

Developmental milestones refer to all the markers that tell you your child is growing and developing. Crawling, waving and smiling are all examples of developmental milestones. If you aren鈥檛 familiar with the milestones, the has trackers that can help you understand what your child鈥檚 behaviors might mean about their development.

All children develop at their own pace. But some general markers can help you track where your child is at. For example, experts typically divide developmental stages into five periods:

• Birth to 18 months: During this period, your child may learn to identify you and other familiar people and respond to facial expressions. Children may also learn to stand on their own, take a few steps while holding onto something or say a few words.
• 18 months to 2 years: During these six months, your child may develop quickly, starting to respond to two-part instructions, playing with other children or 鈥減laying pretend.鈥� They may learn to walk and start running.
• 3 to 5 years: Most children in this age range learn to count to 10, know their own names or recite nursery rhymes. Children may also start having clear preferences and can name their likes and dislikes.
• 5 to 12 years: Children gain more confidence and develop problem-solving skills. They may increase their reading and math skills, develop hobbies or build friendships.
• 12 to 18 years: Teenagers gain more and more independence as they grow. They may start forming their own opinions or become interested in dating and sexuality.

What happens if my child isn鈥檛 meeting a milestone?

If your child doesn鈥檛 meet milestones as expected or meets them at an older age than expected, talk to your child鈥檚 pediatrician. Developmental checklists are not a diagnostic tool. In other words, avoid using them to self-diagnose your child. Instead, checklists can give you clues about when to talk to a healthcare provider.

If your child doesn鈥檛 meet a milestone as expected, your child鈥檚 pediatrician may recommend a developmental assessment. This evaluation could include some observation, structured playtime or parent questionnaires. Evaluations can help healthcare providers understand whether or not your child could benefit from special interventions or therapies. Sometimes, not meeting a specific milestone is no cause for concern. Other times, your provider may connect your child with resources that can help them function better or keep up with their peers.

When to speak up

鈥淭he most important point is to speak up any time you are concerned about your child,鈥� explains , pediatrician with 网曝门事件 Health Feather River. Too often, parents feel afraid or hesitant if their child hasn鈥檛 met a certain milestone. But the sooner your child鈥檚 provider knows about a concern, the sooner they can address it or get appropriate help.

鈥淚t鈥檚 crucial to be honest and accurate with your child鈥檚 pediatrician,鈥� Dr. Zwerdling says. 鈥淚f the pediatrician asks when your child鈥檚 first words were and you are a bit vague on the timeline, we don鈥檛 have the information we need to help.鈥�

Dr. Zwerdling also notes that your pediatrician is there to help alleviate concerns and be an expert resource. 鈥淭here鈥檚 nothing wrong with talking with your friends, mother or sister about your child鈥檚 development,鈥� he says. 鈥淏ut it鈥檚 not the end-all be-all. It鈥檚 the same with online information. It can be a starting point, but a trusted healthcare professional can help you put that information into context.鈥�

If you are seeking a pediatrician or other specialist, find a provider near you today.