Developmental stages
As your child grows, you may find yourself searching for clues to her behavior. As a parent, you may hear the words "developmental stages." This is just another way of saying your child is moving through a certain time period in the growing-up process. At times, she may be fascinated with her hands, her feet, and her mouth. As she grows, she may get into everything. Lock your doors and cabinets, and take a deep breath during those exploration years! Then there will be an age when independence is all she wants. At every stage, what she needs is your love, understanding, and time.
Parent Tip
Recent brain research indicates that birth to age three are the most important years in a child's development. Here are some tips to consider during your child's early years:
- Be warm, loving, and responsive.
- Talk, read, and sing to your child.
- Establish routines and rituals.
- Encourage safe explorations and play.
- Make TV watching selective.
- Use discipline as an opportunity to teach.
- Recognize that each child is unique.
- Choose quality child care and stay involved.
- Take care of yourself.
For more information, visit the First 5 California Parents' Site.
Learning styles
Children learn in many different ways. Each child has his own way of learning—some learn visually, others through touch, taste, and sound. Watch a group of children and you'll understand at once what this means. One child will sit and listen patiently, another cannot wait to move and count beads. Another wants you to show her the answer over and over. Children also learn in different ways depending on their developmental stage. One thing we know is all children love to learn new things by exploring and discovering. Children love to solve problems during play and in daily activities.
Look for a child care provider who understands children's learning styles and includes reading, learning numbers, art activities, rhyming, and problem solving in your child's daily activities. Also, find out how your provider encourages your child to understand and benefit from daily activities and experiences.