The Stages of Child Development

Children holding

The Stages of Child Development

Your 2-year-old daughter recently learned the word “no,” and she won’t stop using it — when you ask her to do something, when you teach her about manners, even when you’re talking with someone else. Is this a sign of trouble, or is it just a natural part of child development? The answer is probably the latter. The “no” phase reflects your toddler’s growing desire for independence, and it’s an important stage for her to progress through, regardless of how much it makes you want to grind your teeth. Understanding the reason behind all the “no’s” and the significance of this stage to your child’s development can make the day-to-day frustrations of her actions a lot easier to navigate. This is just one reason parents and anyone else who deals with kids should understand the stages of child development. They provide the key to decoding children’s behavior and identifying potential problems or concerns. When you grasp these ideas, you can better address — or sometimes ignore — the actions your child engages in.

What Are the Stages of Child Development?

There are four main stages of child development:
  • 0-2 years old: The child begins to exhibit signs of their personality, experiment with independence, and acquire self-esteem.
  • 2-5 years old: Children transition from toddling to other physical milestones, while also learning to regulate their emotional responses. Meltdowns may occur as kids explore how to express themselves.
  • 6-12 years old: School-age children begin pushing for further independence, physically and emotionally.
  • 13-18 years old: The teenage years are fraught with hormones and bodily changes that can lead children to undergo evolutions in their personalities. Their relationships become more serious and they discover their passions and it can be exciting for them.
Why Is Understanding the Stages of Child Development Important? Grasping your child’s development and where they are in each stage can help explain certain behaviors and also be on the lookout for other things that could have an impact on your child’s welfare. For instance, if you have a school-age child, you may need to start emphasizing moral lessons you have never touched on before as you note their increasing maturity.

How Can We Tailor Teaching to Each Stage of Child Development?

Part of education is avoiding unnecessary frustration among children by getting to know the “individual child” and tailoring the lessons and approach to them. You want to challenge them but you shouldn’t expect something beyond their capabilities, which will only lead to exasperation on both sides. When you tailor education to each developmental stage, you give kids something they can achieve. They will feel proud of themselves and engaged in their tasks. You can then build on these accomplishments with your next successful assignment. You and the children will feel as though you are moving forward, growing their self-esteems and adding to their confidence. Child development stages serve as a map for educators and parents. Heed their progress to see where the next step should take you. We subscribe to that approach at FishCreek Kids Academy. To learn more about us, contact us online, fill out a registration form or call (281) 259-3474.