Key Development Signs to Look for In Your Child
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If you are the parent of a toddler then you may have heard just how important identifying the key stages of development are. During the first few years of a child’s life, they pick up on habits interests and behavioural patterns. They learn key skills such as language and how to draw or hold a pencil at this age.
However sometimes the lack of knowledge on the parent’s side can result in parents not being able to identify the lack of key development signs and patterns. Since this is the stage to diagnose illnesses such as autism or ADHD it is vital that parents look for these signs while also carrying out activities that test them. Here are some early signs and behavioural patterns parents need to look for during their child’s early years.
Fine motor skills
Have you watched how your child holds pencils, crayons or straws? How about if they colour within the lines of a picture. These are all knows as fine motor skills that are vital for a child’s development. From this stage is when they get to know how to hold objects, cut and draw in straight lines and even use tools.
If your child seems to be struggling with these simple activities it is suggested that they are taken to a doctor who will be able to evaluate and diagnose them. Most of the time it can be corrected with some activities. You can use occupational therapy to help identify more serious conditions.
Emotional regulation
Toddlers throw tantrums this we know and most of the time it is fine as it is usually because they are tired, hungry or in a bad mood. However extreme emotional tantrums such as excessive crying when you leave, take a toy away from them or even correct them can show signs of mood swings or serious conditions. Emotional regulation helps teach a child how to correct their emotions and express them in a healthy way. It also teaches parents how to handle these tantrums without getting emotional themselves.
Using their senses
We have 5 sense and in order to live a balanced healthy life essentially, they should all function. The difficulty in hearing and sight are identifiable in children. However, it may be difficult to identify the lack of sensory ability. The likeliness of your child telling you they cannot smell are quite low. Therefore, it is important to constantly ask and check with them their sense of smell. There are tests that can be taken to help diagnose or improve this and should not be taken lightly.
Cognitive level and skills
How well are your kids using their brains and this is not in an academic sense. Can they sort out different shapes and sizes, identify colour patterns and shades or even understand how to build toys? Brain development is at its peak during early years therefore it is vital to constantly do exercises that help improve these skills.