What are Developmental Milestones?
Developmental Milestones are skills and abilities that a child learns as they grow up, reaching any specific age. Milestones are generally categorised using age and domain. These include movement, language, learning, and social-emotional behaviours. Milestones are generally used to track a child’s healthy growth and allow for health practitioners and parents to identify potential delays early on. However, it is essential to note that every child develops at their own pace; some variation in the timeframe for achieving each milestone is expected. Nevertheless, tracking milestones can provide parents with valuable information about where their child may need extra help. Noticing delays in your child does not mean that they require a label/diagnosis; instead, it is just about getting the right help at the right time.
Early identification of delay in developmental milestones makes early intervention and management possible. However, sometimes a child doesn’t need any intervention, but rather support from their parents in how they function. Remember that normal is subjective. What is normal to you and me might not be normal for your child. Meet your child where they stand instead of stretching them out to meet you where you stand.
Age-Appropriate Developmental Milestones
Table 1
Developmental Milestones according to age.
When to Seek Support
Knowing when to seek support can make a big difference in your child’s growth. If your child is not meeting several milestones, shows signs of losing skills they once had, or struggles with everyday activities such as communication, play, or self-care, it may be time to reach out for guidance. Early support is always better than waiting addressing challenges sooner helps children build skills more effectively and reduces frustration for both the child and family.
Remember, every child’s journey is unique, and moving at a different pace does not necessarily mean something is “wrong.” Seeking professional guidance simply gives you the reassurance and tools to help your child thrive in the way that’s best for them. But remember, milestones are guides, not rigid checklists. Remember to celebrate your child’s strengths and not just focus on the weaknesses. Seeking help is also a win; reaching out for support means that you are being a responsible parent, and there is nothing more empowering than seeking progress in your child.
