Sesame Workshop: Child Development for Caregivers

Photo by Bethany Beck

An article on the Sesame Workshop website provides a caregiver’s guide to tracking child development. The article stresses the value of keeping track of milestones and going to routine screenings to help children stay healthy and thriving.

The article talks about the milestones, things children are able to do by a certain age, like talking, walking and playing, and how each child has an individual development pattern in meeting these markers.

Health care professionals do developmental screening for children during their regular appointments with the child (e.g. 9 months, 18 months, 30 months). It is helpful for parents to know that health care professionals may look at or ask about things like:

·      Language and Communication (Responding or reacting to others, saying a certain number of words, etc.)

·      Learning and Thinking (Following directions, problem-solving, etc.)

·      Social (Smiling at others, playing next to other children, etc.)

·      Movement (Crawling, walking, running, jumping, etc.)

For those working with parents of infants and toddlers, it can be important to reassure caregivers that “developmental screenings are meant to help identify children who may need extra support, not as a test to pass.” The article notes, “Noticing, watching and tracking a child’s milestones for their age helps give parents and healthcare providers a better understanding of how a child is learning and growing (and can be a great way to remember and celebrate special moments)!”

Tips provided for open communication with parents and caregivers about children’s development include:

·      Little ones listen: Choose a time and place where you can talk alone, away from the child.

·      Be aware of your own feelings: Try to hold conversations at a time when you feel calm, rather than in the immediacy of strong feelings.

·      Share the positive: Regular positive reinforcement can help to put difficult conversations in perspective.

·      Take your time: Make sure no one is going to feel rushed in the conversation, and that parents have an opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings.

·      Create a judgment-free zone: Approaches to parenting can be very personal. “The goal is to share thoughts and philosophies, and do what is best for the child.”

·      Use examples: Avoid general statements or use of professional terminology, but rather support with specific examples (e. g. “I noticed that James was upset when I was getting ready to leave him the other day. I’m concerned that’s happening often.”

·      Brainstorm solutions: Work towards mutually suggested and agreed strategies.