| Researching normative or normal stages of child | | | | Instead, when all things are considered, a child's |
| development can be a daunting task for even the | | | | development is based on more than just academically |
| most seasoned child care veteran or parent. It is not | | | | approved criteria. Family structure, cultural values, social |
| uncommon to find child development literature infused | | | | norms, socioeconomic status, and the child's unique |
| with phrases like "normal behavior", "delayed | | | | traits and characteristics all play a part. A stubborn |
| functioning", "critical periods" or "patterns of | | | | child for instance may not make toilette training easy |
| attachment"- phrases that leave some parents feeling | | | | but it does not mean he is not developmentally |
| guilty, confused and concerned about their child's | | | | capable. Likewise, a child who does not receive |
| developmental progression. | | | | adequate food and nourishment may show signs of |
| Although these terms can be useful indicators of | | | | delayed physical and intellectual functioning, while the |
| whether or not a child is developing to his or her | | | | same child will thrive in a home with a full fridge and |
| potential, it is all too easy to get caught up in precise | | | | balanced meals. By combining these criteria, a more |
| time-lines. As a result, we forget that these terms and | | | | accurate developmental estimation can be made. |
| their corresponding milestones are merely designed as | | | | If you have concerns about your child's development |
| guidelines- helpful hints that we as parents can | | | | do not hesitate to speak to your doctor- there are |
| periodically refer to in our quest to mould smart, | | | | things that you can do in the early years of your child's |
| well-rounded children. As such, they have a certain | | | | life to promote healthy development. |
| degree of flexibility, and should not be used to rigidly | | | | Check out the parenting resource section at for a |
| establish whether or not Jimmy measures up to his | | | | compiled list of general developmental facts and |
| playmates. | | | | phases focusing on the first five years of a child's life. |