A Checklist for Child Development Stages

Every parent looks forward to the day when their baby can sit up, crawl, walk and talk. Children pass other development milestones as they grow, learning to share, make friends, read and write. Although all children develop differently, you may be concerned if your child's seems to be behind others his age. Learn about the stages of child development to ensure your child is on track.

  1. The First Year

    • By the time your baby is three months old he will be able to raise his head, support his body on his arms and kick his legs when lying on his stomach. He'll hold toys and shake them, smile when he hears your voice and start imitating sounds. By seven months he might cut his first teeth and should be able to roll over, sit on his own and respond to his name. He will maneuver into a sitting position, crawl, stand and might begin walking by his first birthday. He will also move objects into and out of a container, find hidden objects, understand gestures and imitate them. He will also begin using his first words.

    One to Four Years

    • When your child turns two, expect her to walk on her own and start to run. She'll be able to kick a ball, climb on furniture and carry things as she walks. She'll enjoy stacking blocks, dumping out containers of toys and sorting shapes and colors. Between two and four your child will learn to hop, stand on one foot and throw a ball. She'll like using safety scissors and will start writing letters. She'll know some colors, follow simple instructions and play pretend. By five years old she should be able to count to ten, draw a person with a body, use silverware and get dressed on her own. She will be able to tell stories and learn her name and address.

    Five to Ten Years

    • Your child is still developing mentally, emotionally and socially. When kids start school they learn at a rapid rate. Language skills continue to develop, allowing your child to more accurately describe experiences, thoughts and feelings. Your child will have a strong desire to be accepted, make many friends and learn to focus more on other people's feelings than himself. Your child will become increasingly independent and become more aware of the future and the difference between right and wrong.

    Teenage Years

    • As your child becomes a teenager she will become even more independent, spending more time with friends and on extracurricular activities. She will go through puberty, begin dating, could become sexually active and will learn to drive. She may become more worried about what others think of her. Eating disorders and confidence problems often begin during adolescence. Your child may begin showing less affection to you and gravitate toward friends. She will face peer pressure, anxiety and stress from school work and feel moody. Set rules, be honest and talk to your teen often.

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