Caring for Kids is a monthly article series by early childhood education experts in Child and Family Care and Children’s Centers.
Feeling concerned about your child's development is natural for many parents and caregivers. Understanding what milestones to look for as your child grows can help ease those worries and know when to seek additional guidance or resources.
Milestones are simply skills or abilities most children can do by a certain age, like walking, talking, or playing. Watching your child achieve these steps can be exciting and help you see how they compare to the broad range of typical development.
“When caring for kids, being informed and proactive helps everyone feel more at ease,” says Christine Snyder, director of U-M Child and Family Care and an experienced early childhood educator. "Learning about key development milestones, partnering with a pediatrician, and sharing experiences with other parents are three useful practices to keep in mind."
Learn About Developmental Milestones
Understanding typical developmental milestones provides a useful framework for monitoring your child's progress. For example, by around 12 months, many children start saying words like "mama" or "dada." By age two, you can expect them to begin forming simple phrases.
As for motor skills, walking independently usually occurs by 18 months. Socially, most children smile by two months and participate in simple games by their first birthday. Being aware of simple common milestones helps you celebrate your child's achievements and spot areas where they may need support.
Be Proactive and Partner with Healthcare Professionals
Discussing development is a regular part of appointments with your child’s pediatrician. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, communicating that to a healthcare professional is a positive first step. Pediatricians are trained to help assess development and provide recommendations for next steps if necessary. Being proactive in communicating about your child's development helps ensure they receive any needed support early, maximizing their growth potential. Here are some suggestions for partnering with your pediatrician:
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Prepare and Document Observations: Before your visit, take notes on specific behaviors or milestones you’ve observed, with specific notes about any that concern you. Record any patterns, such as when or how often they occur. Having clear examples will help your pediatrician make a more informed assessment.
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Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your pediatrician questions during your consultation. Inquire about developmental milestones, typical windows of development, what milestones to expect next, and any recommended activities or exercises you can do at home. Understanding the "why" behind their advice can empower you to support your child more effectively.
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Follow Through on Recommendations: If the pediatrician suggests further evaluations or interventions, such as physical therapy or speech therapy, ensure to follow through promptly. Early action can significantly influence positive developmental outcomes.
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Seek a Second Opinion, if Necessary: If you still feel unsure about the recommendations or assessments given, it’s okay to seek a second opinion from another professional. Gaining additional perspectives can help you feel more confident in your decisions.
Engage with Family, Friends, and Parenting Resources
Tapping into existing support networks can provide reassurance and additional perspectives. Engaging with family, friends, and parent groups who have children of similar ages. In the event your child has developmental differences, connections to families who have faced similar concerns can be comforting and informative. Community resources, like Early On Michigan, offer tailored support and services to empower you and your child. Programs like these help you stay proactive and positive throughout your child's developmental journey.
Remember that awareness is empowering, and seeking professional advice is a strength regardless of whether your child is on track developmentally or needs additional support. By surrounding yourself with supportive networks, you create a nurturing environment for your child's growth.
Additional Resources
For more information and tips, check out these resources:
Michigan and Washtenaw County Resources
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Early Intervention Services 101 - Michigan Alliance for Families
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Resources - Special Education - Administrative Departments - Services - Washtenaw ISD
