Understanding Global Development in Children: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents
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by Liliane Kantar - Psychomotor Therapist at Aman Lil Afia Clinic ????? ???? ???????
From the moment they are born, babies embark on a remarkable journey of development, rapidly acquiring an array of skills. These skills encompass motor, cognitive, social, and emotional domains, forming what “global development” For healthy development, children's physical and emotional needs must be met. Nurturing their emotional well-being and providing a stimulating environment are also vital components.
Uniqueness in Development
It's crucial to remember that every child is unique. Developmental milestones can be achieved at different places influenced by genetics, personality, and external stimuli. It's important not to compare your child's progress to others, as this can lead to unnecessary pressure, anxiety, or regression.
Four Major Areas of Development
Children pass through stages of development in the following areas:
1. Motor Development: Includes gross (large muscle movements) and fine motor skills (precise hand and finger movements). From lifting their heads to walking and performing intricate tasks, children gradually master various movements.
2. Cognitive Development: From birth, children develop cognitive abilities such as thinking, memory, attention, reasoning, and language. They learn cause and effect, develop object permanence, and acquire language skills over time.
3. Emotional Development: Emotional development is fundamental to expressing emotions, understanding them, and recognizing others' feelings. A strong parent-child bond and emotional security are crucial foundations for children to build self-confidence and relationships.
4. Social Development: To navigate society, children require social skills, enabling them to form relationships, cooperate, share, and follow rules. These skills are learned through interaction with family and peers.
How to Stimulate Your Child's Development?
Parents play a vital role in their children's development. Daily interactions provide numerous opportunities for stimulation. Engaging with your child through various activities fosters growth in all four developmental areas. It's never too early to start stimulating your child.
Five Winning Attitudes for Supporting Development
1. See the World Through a Child's Eyes: Encourage your child to observe, explore, and interact with the world. Take walks in nature, visit the park, or simply look out the window and describe what you see.
2. Encourage Real-World Experiences: Prioritize real-life experiences over electronic screens. Interacting with others, touching objects, physical movement, and exploring with all five senses are invaluable.
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3. Support Imaginative Play: Engage in your child's imaginative play and follow them into their make-believe worlds. This promotes autonomy, confidence, and creativity.
4. Acknowledge Efforts: Praise your child's efforts, even when they make mistakes. Valuing their attempts fosters self-worth and motivation.
5. Choose the Right Activities: Avoid pushing your child beyond their abilities. Instead, offer support, let them develop at their own pace, and ensure the process remains enjoyable.
Identifying Developmental Delays
While children progress at their own rates, significant delays in developmental milestones can be a cause for concern. Delays can relate to motor skills, language development, or other domains. Proper stimulation can help children catch up; however, unaddressed delays may be symptoms of broader conditions.
Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
GDD refers to significant delays in at least two developmental areas in children aged five and under. It serves as a temporary diagnosis while waiting for a full evaluation. GDD can later be linked to specific conditions such as language disorders, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, or other genetic or environmental factors.
Who Can Help?
If you suspect developmental delays in your child, consult a physician or pediatrician. They may run tests or refer you to specialists like psychomotor therapist, speech-language pathologists, psycho educators, or physiotherapist. Quality daycare centers can also play a role in promoting children's development, fostering autonomy, social skills, language abilities, and motor skills.
As parents, your active involvement and support in your child's development are crucial, so embrace the uniqueness of their journey and provide the necessary stimulation, care, and love.
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