Developmental milestones describe what most children are capable of doing at a particular point in time. Developmental milestones also provide a snapshot of the new skills many children will be starting to master in the upcoming months or year. Knowing what children are capable of, and what they will be practicing, can help you provide appropriate experiences to enhance your child's development.
Remember, developmental milestones only provide benchmarks. Each child develops at his or her own pace. So, in any particular child some skills may emerge early, while others may appear later.
If you have any concerns about your child's development, consult your child's physician.
Social
Typically Can:
Strongly resist setting of limits
Think the world exists for him
Begin to show a sense of humour
Show preferences for toys
Feed himself with a spoon, but messily
Emerging Skills:
Pulling on his pants
Trying to undo his shoes, such as Velcro fasteners
Playing alongside another child
Intellectual
Typically Can:
Point to body part(s) when asked
Realize things exist when they are out of sight
Initiate activities
Show understanding of some colours and shapes
Emerging Skills:
Grouping similiar things, such as socks, shoes
Using one object to get another one, for example, pulling a string to bring a toy closer
Language
Typically Can:
Understand far more words than she can speak
Use "No" correctly, often with a shake of her head
Try to sings songs
Use 5 or more words to express needs or desires, such as "all gone"
Emerging Skills:
Naming pictures in a book
Imitating animal sounds
Emotional
Typically Can:
Be curious, and "get into things"
Become more of an individual
Hug and kiss his parents
Enjoy being the centre of attention
Emerging Skills:
Showing jealousy when attention is given to other family members
Showing frustration easily
Displaying a sense of ownership over toys and people
