Family Resources – Child Development - Millstream Paediatric Developmental Services

Family Resources: Child Development

Early Childhood

The first several years of a child’s life, often referred to as ‘early childhood years’, are very important to their health and development.
Healthy development spans cognitive, social, emotional, and physical areas.
Parenting responses and connection is very important during this sensitive time in a childs life.
Providing a safe and loving home that supports spending time with your child (e.g., playing, singing, reading, and talking), good nutrition, exercise, social exposure, sleep and predictable reponses can make a big difference.

Developmental Milestones

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC):

In 2022, CDC’s milestones were updated. For more information about expected child development, access their tracker information at their website.

More information on child development can be found on the Raising Children website.

Sleep

Sleep is vital for your child’s physical health, brain function, emotional well-being, and ability to function day to day. Having a good night’s sleep can help your child be happier, help them to concentrate and remember things and improve their behaviour. Not having enough sleep or not sleeping well can affect how children learn and can lead to mood swings, poor growth and behaviour problems.

What is Enough?

ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours (including naps)
ages 6 to 12: 9 to 11 hours
ages 13 to 18: 8 to 10 hours

Strategies to Promote Good Sleep

Establish a sleep schedule: Make sure your child goes to bed early enough to get the sleep they need. Once you have set an appropriate bed time, stick to it — even on the weekend.
Establish a bedtime routine: Follow the same routine every day: bath or shower, change into pyjamas, brush teeth, read or spend quiet time in their bedroom, lights out and go to sleep.
Help your child wind down: Busy children need some time to relax. Consider playing soft music or reading to them.
Make sure the bedroom is suitable for sleep: Ensure the bedroom is dark and quiet. If your child is anxious or afraid at night, use a night light.
Avoid stimulants: Make sure your child avoids tea, coffee, chocolate and sports drinks, especially in the afternoon.
Turn off technology: Try turning off computers, tablets and television one hour before bedtime to help your child sleep better.