Did You Know? Your child’s brain undergoes a remarkable transformation during the first few years of life; it forms nearly 1,000 new neural connections every second?.
These connections are important and lays the foundation for a children’s future learning and discoveries.
The astonishing fact is that your child’s brain develops at tremendous speed, by the age of 3, their brain is already twice as active as an adult’s.
As parents, are you worried about your child’s developmental milestones and how you can actively support them through each stage?
This article is your guide which will unveil the secrets behind all those awe-inspiring magical moments. You will learn all those facts, the science that awaits as you navigate the incredible path of parenthood.
What are Developmental Milestones?
As per CBSE Pune, Developmental milestones are like checkpoints of skills, abilities, and behaviours in your child’s growth journey which are developed at a certain age. There are mainly 3 types of Milestones.
1. Physical Milestones: These can be things like learning to sit, crawl, or walk. From those wobbly first steps to the mastery of fine motor skills; all these are the tangible signs of a child’s growth.
Did You Know? Your toddler’s brain is already 80% the size of an adult brain at the age of 2? It’s during these formative years that they learn to do mobility, boosting their brain to understand spatial relationships and coordination.
2. Cognitive Milestones: These can be things like the ability of a child to think, learn, recognize colours, shapes or words and acquiring early literacy skills.
Did You Know? Your child’s brain soaks information like a sponge. By the age of 1 to 3, they learn on average 6 -7 words a day!
Parents and Teachers should utilise this time to ignite their curiosity which will spark a lifelong love of learning.
3. Social and Emotional Milestones: These can be things like the ability of a child to interact or expressing their feelings and develop friendship.
These milestones mark your child’s journey in understanding companionship, sharing, self-awareness, and empathy. It equips children with the skills to navigate relationships, understand themselves, and cope with life’s challenges.
Milestones by Age
Let’s understand what parents should expect at different ages.
-
Infancy (0-12 months)
Physical milestones: Babies learn to roll over, walk slowly.
Cognitive milestones: They start to notice things from their surroundings and also grasp objects.
Social and emotional milestones: Babies learn to share bonds with caretakers and express feelings like joy and curiosity.
-
Toddlerhood (1-3 years)
Physical milestones: Toddlers learn how to use the toilet, they start running and jumping.
Cognitive milestones: They start speaking slowly, recognizing colours, and enjoy simple games
Social and emotional milestones: Toddlers begin to mingle with other children.
-
Preschool (3-5 years)
Physical milestones: Kids develop fine motor skills like colouring inside the lines
Cognitive milestones: Kids develop problem solving skills, their memory sharpens, they learn to read and write.
Social and emotional milestones: CBSE Pune Preschoolers develop social skills like sharing, creating bonds with friends and developing stronger emotions.
Monitoring Your Child’s Development
Noticing your child’s development is necessary. Regular check-ups with your paediatrician is essential to understand if there are some issues so that it can be sorted earlier.
Supporting Your Child’s Development
You can play a big role in helping your child reach their milestones.
-
Create a nurturing environment for your child to explore and learn.
-
Keep age-appropriate toys and activities which can create interest in them to learn and play.
-
Praise and encourage them for their achievements, good things and often motivate and boost their confidence.
-
Help your child to explore and be creative as it will help them learn and grow.
Resources for Parents
Parents should follow reliable sources such as websites, books, and apps that provide milestone checklists or joining parents communities where you can share experiences and get advice from other parents.
Challenges and Concerns
Parenting is not easy. There may be many challenges you might face but reaching out to professionals is good for their guidance and support.
The Crucial Role of Pune Preschool in Fostering Developmental Milestones in Young Children
Preschool plays an important role in supporting children during their formative years in achieving developmental milestones and here are some ways.
-
Structured Learning Environment: Preschools provide a structured and nurturing environment which helps them to know the importance of routines, they learn to follow instructions and develop essential skills for their future academic success.
-
Socialisation and Communication Skills: Preschools offer opportunities for children to meet many other kids, interact, share, cooperate helping them to develop essential communication and interpersonal skills.
-
Cognitive and Language Development: Preschools offer age appropriate play activities like puzzles, storytelling etc which develops language skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking.
-
Preparation for Formal Education: In preschool children learn letters, numbers, and other basic things which set a strong foundation for future academic achievements.
-
Physical Development: Preschools incorporate physical activities, such as sports, which help children to develop their gross motor skills.
-
Emotional Resilience: Preschools create a supportive safe environment where they are encouraged to express their emotions which develop emotional resilience like coping up with challenges, managing feelings, and building self-esteem.
-
Independence and Self-Confidence: Preschools teach how to be independent by encouraging children to complete their tasks on their own, such as wearing clothes, shoes, cleaning and maintaining hygiene which boost self-confidence.
-
Creativity and Imagination: Preschools encourage creative activities that encourage students to think outside the box.
-
Parent-Teacher Partnerships: Many preschools involve parents in their child’s development which helps parents to know about their child’s progress. It also allows them to implement strategies at home for extended learning. Pune Preschool teachers help parents to identify potential developmental delays or challenges, providing full support to overcome these obstacles.
Conclusion
Remember in this parenting journey, every parent should know one fact every child is unique so be patient and stay involved. Celebrate every milestone, and relish the joy of watching your child blossom into the remarkable individual they are meant to be.