Aaaaaargh, help! My baby didn’t lift her head by one month, rollover by three, only walked at 18 months, kicked a ball at four, recited the Halleluja by five… and the chart says she should’ve done it earlier (not to mention all of my friend’s children who did)!
All parents worry about their child’s development – of course we do, we all want to see our children thrive, flourish, reach their potential…
So it’s very easy to get sucked into worry about if, and when your child meets those ”golden standard” developmental milestones. But what are they really, and do I need to panic if my child isn’t meeting them exactly as the charts say they should?
WHAT ARE THESE DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES?
They’re simply a measure used by parents, caregivers and professionals to compare a child’s growth and development over time with research-based norms (averages).
Basically, hundreds of thousands of children were studied a few decades ago to find out what the ”normal” age range is in which babies and children achieved various developmental milestones, such as sitting, smiling, crawling and walking.
Milestone charts are used as an indicator to gauge a full-term child’s development, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind when using one.
Firstly, these charts are all about averages: if the chart says that the ”average” child can lift their head in prone position by month one, then it means that 50 percent can, but 50 percent haven’t managed to (yet).
Secondly, most charts give an age range for when a milestone is expected to be reached, so for example, being able to sit independently is normally achieved between four and eight months.
この記事は Your Pregnancy の August/September 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は Your Pregnancy の August/September 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
COVID & your child
Symptoms, treatment, vaccines and a rare condition called MIS-C is on our minds when it comes to The Virus these days.
EYES WIDE OPEN!
Breastfeeding and night wakings? Experts shine a light on a possible connection.
RAISING A BRAT? TIME FOR A RESET!
It happens, even with the best of intentions. Sometimes we go overboard trying to show our love – and then things backfire.
Prioritise REST!
The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what miracle your body is performing, so it’s essential to listen to it. Here’s what you can do to get through these low times.
CRYING CLUES
Discover the meaning behind your baby’s cries.
Pushing isn't all you need to do!
There are four main factors that affect the length and intensity of labour. They are known as the four P’s and work together to make each woman’s labour unique.
We're all NERVOUS about it!
Sure, it can seem scarier than labour, but with these simple tips to bathing your newborn, you’ll soon be a pro.
FOUR-FOOTED FAMILY MEMBERS
Your children and your pets – everything you’ll need to know to be a happy family.
Here's to HAPPIER beach days!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
TALK SO YOU'RE HEARD!
Feel like your child just doesn’t listen to you? There are some techniques you can use to improve your chances of getting through.
