How Do I Know My Child Has Reached Her Developmental Milestones?

It seems like my child has not reached milestones like other children her age.  How do I know she is ready and how do I know she is developing on par?

This is a question that we hear a lot from parents. All parents want to ensure that their children are meeting their developmental milestones! Some parents may become worried when they see other children growing and learning at a more rapid pace than their own children. But, all children are different and will more than likely meet their milestones at different times.

As a parent and/or caregiver, you can encourage your child’s development with some simple activities, such as those found on the Early Childhood Development page on the Alberta Health Services website. This page has activity calendars for infants, toddlers and preschoolers that are simple and can be fit into your day to day activities.

If you are unsure of what milestones your child should be meeting, check out the Developmental Milestones page on the Healthy Parents Healthy Children website. This page has links for developmental charts from birth to 5 years old.

If you have any concerns about your child, I would encourage you to speak with your family doctor. If your child has met a milestone but then fails to use that ability again or has missed several milestones, your doctor may refer your child to a pediatrician or another early childhood intervention program. As a parent you know your child best, and if you have any concerns it’s important to discuss it with someone. You are your child’s first teacher and their biggest cheerleader!

– Nikki Bagwell, Home Visitor – Healthy Families

Do you have parenting questions for our staff?  Send them to us at jmelnychuk@closertohome.com and you may be  featured in our next newsletter!