Infancy and Toddlerhood

Fact Sheet

Physical Development During the first year of life, your child will grow from a small infant, to a crawling baby. Physically the child will change every month through the first year. There will be changes in the circumference of the childs head, to the length of their hands and feet. Infants generally gain about, one pound per month, during the first year of life (Charlesworth, 2011). By the eighth month the child will be double their birth weight. Between the eighth and twelfth month, the child will start to get their teeth. Generally the top four and bottom four will come in first. The first two years of life bring dramatic changes to the childs body (Berk, 2013). Language Development Children learn how to communicate with their parents through crying, the first few months of life. Children talk to their parents through crying, smiling and cooing. When a child cries they are informing the parent that they are hungry, wet, or upset. By the end of the first year children start to say their first words. This could either be words or word--like sounds (Berk, 2013). When the child is 12- 18 months old they will start to form holophrases; one word utterances usually the names of familiar objects that act and react. By the end of the second year children are starting to form one to two word sentences (Charlesworth, 2011).

Cognitive Development Cognitive development centers on the mind and how the mind works as a child grows and learns (Charlesworth, 2011). During the first two years of life the child is introduced to the world. Everything around the child is new. Children will develop problem solving skills that will stay with them throughout life. Cognitive development will flourish, when you give children the opportunity to play. A supportive adult and a rich environment with freedom for exploration will allow learning and intellectual growth (Charlesworth, 2011). During this stage of life children, according to Piaget, will go through the sensorimotor stage. Children are born with certain reflexes like; sucking, blinking and grasping. Around 4- 8 months children will start to repeat interesting effects; imitation and familiar behaviors. Around the one year mark, children will start to explore the world. Physically the child is mobile, so they can move around and get to what they are curious about (Berk, 2013).

Social/emotional Development
Social/ emotional development molds the childs ability to survive in the world. Developing communication skills is important for the child. Parents play an important role in this process. Parents need to interact with their children and help explain the world. We always ask our children to use their words, but parents need to also express their needs and wants from the child. During this stage of development the child is learning the language and also learning how to express their needs. Children during this stage, also need to be exposed to other children so they can socialize and learn how to work with others. Sharing and taking turns is important at this age. Exposing children to these experiences will help their development.

Self Regulation
At this stage in your childs development it is crucial for the parent to be consistent while teaching self- regulation. Being consistent will show the child the significance of the self regulation. Teaching your child manners, and taking turns are the building blocks to manners and self control. We do not expect the child to be perfect in remembering, but as the parent we must remind the child to take turns and say please and thank you. Remember these are the

stepping stones to your childs future. We have to mold the child and help them with their development. Atypical Development Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome occurs when there is a failure of the twenty first pair of chromosomes to separate during meiosis; the individual will inherit three of these chromosomes. The atypical development of Down syndrome is; mental retardation, memory and speech problems, limited vocabulary, and slow motor development. There are distinct physical characteristics such as; short, stocky build, flattened face, and a protruding tongue (Berk, 2013). Again early intervention is important for the child and the family.

Influence Parents can influence their child tremendously during the first couple years of life. The biggest factor is providing a safe environment for the child that allows the child to explore the world. Giving your child plenty of opportunities to explore the world will broaden their cognitive, physical and, language skills. Interact with your child on a daily basis. Time is precious with your children that you can never get back. Make sure to take time out of your schedule to interact with your children.

Social and Cultural Factors

All cultures are unique and we must always take these differences into consideration. At this stage, in many cultures, the children sleep with their parents (Berk, 2013). The American way of setting up a nursery is unknown to other cultures. This could be a factor when the child is dropped off at preschool for the first time. These children are close to their parents and rely on the parents for comfort. The transition of being dropped off at school may take some time for the child. Children at this stage typically do not play with each other. Shadow play is part of their routine that will develop into interacting and socializing with their friends while playing.

References Berk, L. E. (2013).Child development. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Charlesworth, R. (2011) Understanding Child Development Webster State University