According to the "Lippincott Manual Of Nursing Practice," child growth and development begins as soon as a child is born. Child development occurs in a recognizable and sequential pattern, but children develop at different rates. For example, some children walk before others and some talk before their peers. Development in this case refers to a child's ability to perform simple tasks and then more complex tasks as he gets older. It involves a child's physical, social and cognitive development.
Birth to 12 Months
Between the time of birth and one year, a child may have met some physical developmental milestones, such as being able to hold his head up, sit without assistance or support, bang objects together, crawl, walk with assistance and pick up objects with his index finger and thumb. At this stage, a child is also able to babble, say "mama" and "dada," point to indicate his wants or needs and is shy with strangers. According to Healthy Children, a child at this stage may cry when either one of his parents is seen leaving.
1 to 3 Years
A child between one and three years old is a toddler. This is the point at which a child begins to assert some independence by saying no to every command. Toddlers show increased attention span and are egocentric in thought and behavior. They are able to throw objects--such as a ball--overhead, pedal a tricycle, jump in place, wash their hands, balance on one foot and dress themselves. Toddlers prefer to follow patterns or rituals, such as bedtime rituals, to feel secure and may have control over their bladders during the day.
3 to 5 Years
The preschooler is between the ages of three and five years old. During this stage, he is able to copy a cross, triangle and circle, draw a square and print words. He is also able to name colors, ask many questions, talk constantly, participate in conversations, is proud of his accomplishments and identifies more with the parent of the same sex. The preschooler also has good motor control and can climb and jump well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC(, a preschooler may be able to dress and undress himself, ride a tricycle, use safety scissors, recall part of a story, play with other children and sing a song.
6 to 12 Years
The school-aged child is between six and 12 years old. At this time, a child has skillful movements that resemble those of an adult. School-aged children enjoy learning, are able to classify and arrange objects or information and like to discuss and debate various topics. Peer relationships become important at this stage, and eating problems may arise, as stated by the CDC.
13 to 18 Years
The period of adolescence begins at age 13 and continues until a child is 18. This is the stage during which a growth spurt occurs. The adolescent rapidly gains weight and grows taller. She also develops secondary sexual characteristics at this point. Establishing an identity, independence within relationships, intimacy and having achievements occur during adolescence
References
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Adolescent Growth and Development
- University of Michigan Health System: Developmental Milestones
- "Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice"; Sandra M. Nettina; 2009
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Early Adolescence (12-14 Years Old)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Preschoolers (3-5 Years Old)
