Jan 26th, 2008
Child Development Overview
What is Child Development?
Children grow, develop, and learn throughout their lives from birth and infancy to adulthood. A child’s development can be measured through social, physical, and cognitive developmental milestones. If children fail to develop properly they may be unable to reach their full potential. However, healthcare professionals and parents can work together as partners to help children grow up healthy and strong.
Why be concerned if a baby shows signs of developmental delay? Won’t she just grow out of it?
Developmental delays can have future negative effects on your child, which may lead to speech and language difficulties, behavioral problems and learning problems.
How can I prevent developmental delay in my baby?
There isn’t one “right way” to prevent developmental delay. Consult a pediatrician for specific activities for your child. Some activities such as singing and reading to your child help to stimulate cognition and recognition of a mother’s voice by her child.
What is early childhood intervention?
The intent of early child intervention is to lay a foundation, in conjunction with the family, to support infants as they grow and mature into healthy individuals. Healthy means the best possible outcome the physical, mental, and social functioning and well-being of an individual.
You or your audience might be interested in my parent-delivered stimulatory program for babies with known or suspected developmental delays. I have babies using this system with success all over the US. Let me know if you’d like to know more. I appreciate that you have put forth information here about the importance of not overlooking or ignoring a possible problem that could affect a child’s future potential. -Nurse Nancy