It’s important for parents to become aware of the “normal” developmental stages in a child’s life.  This is especially true for children who are progressing through the first five years of growth and development.  This article provides parents with child development traits, characteristics and human growth and development patterns to look for before and as your child enters school.

According to the Parents Involved Network, children should be progressing through the following age development stages in life:

6 Month Old Child

• rolls from stomach to back reaches for toy
• transfers toy from one hand to other
• looks for noise made near him or her
• makes sounds for specific reasons (hunger, wet, etc.)
• helps hold bottle while drinking
• plays with toes
• pats mirror image
• puts everything in his or her mouth
• follows toys when held in front of eyes and moved

1 Year Old Child

• sits without support
• pulls to stand
• crawls on all fours
• understands “no” and “bye-bye”
• repeats sounds made by others
• feeds self cookies (may not be neat)
• waves bye-bye
• shy with strangers
• turns pages of book (more than one at a time)

2 Year Old Child

• walks well
• carries toy while walking
• speaks several understandable words
• refers to self by name
• recognizes self in mirror
• feeds self with spoon (may spill)
• drinks from a cup
• occupies self in play
• plays with an adult
• builds a tower of blocks
• shows body parts (eyes, nose, foot) when asked

3 Year Old Child

• goes up steps, two feet on a step
• walks on tiptoe
• runs easily
• unwraps candy
• names objects such as toys and food
• speaks in three word sentences, “me go home.”
• pulls off sock as part of undressing
• helps adults by putting away toys and clothes (when asked)
• turns pages one at a time
• recites nursery rhymes
• shows interest in TV and radio

4 Year Old Child

• walks up steps, one foot on each step
• picks up small objects easily
• unbuttons buttons
• tells stories
• speaks in complete sentences, “I want a cookie”
• dresses self
• feeds self well
• washes face and hands
• is toilet trained
• gets along with other children
• imitates adults doing simple tasks
• builds a tower of 10 blocks
• copies a circle
• matches some objects and colors

5 Year Old Child

• hops and skips on one foot
• marches in time
• catches a ball with his or her hands
• speaks clearly and can be understood by others not in the family
• brushes his or her teeth
• cares for all toilet needs
• follows two directions, “Go get the ball and throw it to me”
• recognizes shapes
• copies a square, circle, triangle and cross
• recognizes coins
• counts to four

It’s important to keep in mind that some children grow and develop at different rates.  If your child is not developing and achieving at the rate that is describe in this article, consult with your family pediatrician or medical doctor.