Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Developmental Milestones

Today at Razzy's Corner we are going to take a step away from the discussion of behavioral charts to talk about something that has been very much on my mind since I had my first child 5 months ago, developmental milestones. Now despite the fact that I studied child development and work with kids, after having Zoey I found myself wanting to check and check some more when she should be doing what. In all of my obsessive Googling, I came across a developmental chart that I really like and want to share with you today. It spells out some of the key developmental milestones from birth to 3 years old. The reason I like it so much is that it breaks each age down to Mastered Skills, Emerging Skills, and Advanced Skills. I like this because it allows me to feel great pride in the fact that for things like head control and bearing weight on her legs Zoey is considered advanced. But more importantly it gives me piece of mind to know that I don't need to be stressed by the fact that she hasn't rolled over in both directions yet because at this age that is an emerging skill that only half of kids can do. Now I know that these charts are just guidelines and each baby is different and really unless there are major delays I don't need to worry, but having some sort of reference is nice.
(Zoey rolling over)

For those of you that have raised kids or are doing so now, what sort of anxiety did you have and how did you reassure yourself?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I know my little girl is perfect even though she hits the big milestones on days when I am at work. She is adorable as always in the picture.

Just FYI to anyone reading Razzy is my wife so that's my little girl too. Lol

Luana Krause said...

I didn't really stress about development too much. However, my daughter's feet were pointed inwards due to her being breach at birth. It was suggested she wear braces, but the doctor's didn't seem to think it was absolutely necessary. Our son was a preemie (four pounds, which was pretty big for a preemie...some babie in neonatal were one or two pounds).

N. R. Williams said...

I was a laid back Mom. I really didn't worry about this stuff because my children were delighted with each development. I simply shared their delight. Of course, Google wasn't around for me to check back then and my mother and our doctors assured me whenever I saw them. A lot can change in twenty years.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.

Candyland said...

What a doll! I read a lot. Probably too much to the point that it made me more paranoid wondering is my daughter was doing enough of this or that. Then I realized she's perfect the way she is, milestone or not. Just enjoy being a parent. Yeah. That's my advice:)

Angela said...

Zoey is adorable. She looks pink and happy and healthy. How lucky you are.