The development stages of children occurs in distinct period of time, with each stage building on the skills and abilities developed in the previous stage. Understanding these stages can help parents and caregivers support and nurture their child’s development, and can also provide insight into what to expect as a child grows and changes.
Infancy
Infancy is the first stage of development, and typically begins at birth and lasts until around 18 months of age. During this stage, infants are learning to make sense of the world around them, and they are developing the skills and abilities that will lay the foundation for future development. They are learning to coordinate their senses and movements, and to communicate with others through crying, cooing, and gestures.
Toddlerhood
Toddlerhood is the second stage of development, and typically begins at around 18 months and lasts until around 3 years of age. During this stage, children are becoming more independent and are learning to explore their environment. They are also developing their language skills, and they are beginning to understand and use words to communicate with others. Toddlers are also developing their social skills, and they are learning to interact with others and to follow rules.
Early Childhood
Early Childhood is the third stage of development, and typically begins at around 3 years of age and lasts until around 6 years of age. During this stage, children are continuing to develop their language and social skills, and they are also becoming more independent and confident. They are learning to think abstractly and to solve problems, and they are also becoming more coordinated and skilled at physical activities.
Middle Childhood
Middle Childhood is the fourth stage of development, and typically begins at around 6 years of age and lasts until around 11 years of age. During this stage, children are consolidating the skills and abilities they have developed in earlier stages, and they are also beginning to develop more advanced skills. They are learning to think logically and to make connections between ideas, and they are also developing their emotional and social skills. They may also begin to show an interest in specific subjects and activities, and may start to develop their own hobbies and interests.
Adolescence
Adolescence is the final stage of development, and typically begins at around 11 years of age and lasts until around 18 years of age. During this stage, children are becoming young adults, and they are facing a number of physical, emotional, and social changes. They are developing their identity and learning to make decisions for themselves, and they are also dealing with the challenges of growing up, such as peer pressure and changing relationships with parents and other adults.