From the moment they are born, children begin a journey of growth and development that includes many milestones along the way. As a parent, it’s essential to be aware of these milestones to ensure your child meets them and to be supportive when they do. Here are the growth milestones to expect during the first six years of your child’s life:
Birth to 1 Year
In the first year of life, children grow and change quickly. Some of the significant milestones that children achieve during this period include:
- Lifting their head and chest when lying on their stomach (around 3 months)
- Sitting up without support (around 6 months)
- Crawling and pulling themselves up to stand (around 9 months)
- Walking with assistance (around 12 months)
- Beginning to say simple words like “mama” and “dada” (around 9 to 12 months)
To support these milestones, ensure your child has enough tummy time, provide toys that encourage movement and exploration, and speak and interact with them frequently.
1 to 3 Years
During the toddler years, children continue to develop their motor and social skills. Some of the milestones you can expect during this period include:
- Walking independently (around 18 months)
- Running, jumping, and climbing stairs (around 2 years)
- Talking in simple sentences and answering questions (around 2 to 3 years)
- Playing with other children and sharing toys (around 2 to 3 years)
- Toilet training (between 2 and 3 years)
To encourage these milestones, provide space for indoor and outdoor play, provide opportunities for social interaction with other children, and read books together to help develop language skills.
3 to 6 Years
In this period, children continue to develop their cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Some of the significant milestones that children reach during this period include:
- Dressing and washing independently (around 4 to 5 years)
- Using scissors and drawing simple shapes (around 4 to 5 years)
- Counting to 10 and recognizing numbers and letters (around 4 to 5 years)
- Engaging in imaginative play and taking turns (around 4 to 5 years)
- Developing friendships and showing empathy (around 5 to 6 years)
To support these milestones, provide opportunities for creative play, encourage problem-solving and decision-making, and read books that promote social-emotional learning.
It’s important to note that each child develops at their own pace and may achieve milestones at different times. Don’t be discouraged if your child hasn’t reached a milestone on schedule. Be patient and supportive and consult with your child’s healthcare provider if you have concerns.
The first six years of your child’s life are a significant period of growth and development. By recognizing the milestones and supporting your child through each stage, you can ensure they build a strong foundation for future learning and success. Encourage exploration, play, and learning, and enjoy watching your child grow and thrive.
