What Age Should You Know What You Want to Be

Choosing quality care that is in a healthy and prophylactic environment should be your number one priority. Look for child care that stimulates and encourages your kid's concrete, intellectual, and social growth. Continue your child'due south age and personality in mind when looking for the program that best meets his needs. Agreement what makes your child feel secure and knowing the activities he enjoys and will learn from will make a deviation in your final kid intendance decision.

Personality

Each child has his own personality and responds to caregivers or experiences differently. Just like adults, children may have outgoing, shy, or even-tempered natures. Your caregiver should exist in tune with your kid's special personality and care for your child in a positive and caring manner that agrees with his special personality. This is crucial to nurturing his salubrious emotional growth. By agreement your child's personality, you and your caregiver tin help him succeed by offering care, activities, and subject that best fit his needs.

Developmental stages

Equally your child grows, you may find yourself searching for clues to her behavior. As a parent, you lot may hear the words "developmental stages." This is just some other style of saying your child is moving through a certain fourth dimension period in the growing-up process. At times, she may exist fascinated with her easily, her anxiety, and her mouth. As she grows, she may get into everything. Lock your doors and cabinets, and have a deep jiff during those exploration years! Then there volition be an age when independence is all she wants. At every stage, what she needs is your love, understanding, and time.

Parent Tip

Recent encephalon inquiry indicates that nascency to age iii are the virtually of import years in a child'due south evolution. Here are some tips to consider during your child'southward early years:

Be warm, loving, and responsive.
Talk, read, and sing to your child.
Establish routines and rituals.
Encourage safe explorations and play.
Brand TV watching selective.
Use discipline as an opportunity to teach.
Recognize that each child is unique.
Choose quality child care and stay involved.
Take care of yourself.

For more than information, visit the First 5 California Parents' Site

Learning styles

Children learn in many different ways. Each child has his own way of learning—some learn visually, others through touch, gustatory modality, and sound. Sentry a grouping of children and yous'll understand at once what this means. One kid will sit down and listen patiently, another cannot wait to motility and count beads. Another wants yous to show her the answer over and over. Children besides learn in different ways depending on their developmental phase. 1 thing we know is all children beloved to learn new things by exploring and discovering. Children love to solve problems during play and in daily activities.

Expect for a child intendance provider who understands children's learning styles and includes reading, learning numbers, art activities, rhyming, and problem solving in your child's daily activities. Also, find out how your provider encourages your child to understand and do good from daily activities and experiences.

Tips for looking for a child care provider during the first 18 months of life

Wait for a provider who:

Is warm and friendly.
Interacts with your infant and has eye contact.
Talks to your babe while diapering.
Includes your baby in activities, but keeps her safe from older children.
Avoids the utilize of walkers.
Has feeding and sleeping practices similar to yours.
Allows the baby to swallow and sleep whenever she wishes rather than follow a schedule.

Ages and stages

Depending upon the age of your kid, his learning style and personality, your child will have different needs. The showtime five years are especially crucial for physical, intellectual, and social-emotional evolution. Keep your child's personality and historic period in mind when looking for child care experiences and activities. The post-obit pages provide insight into a child's developmental stages from birth through fourteen years.

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Birth to eighteen months: an overview

In the start xviii months after birth, an infant makes miraculous progress. In this relatively short time span, an babe sees her world through her senses. Babies get together data through touch, taste, odor, sight, and sound. To help infants mature and acquire, the caregiver should stimulate merely not overwhelm them. The overall goal is non to "teach" your baby just to interact and explore her world with her. Older infants are on the move. They take neat pleasure in discovering what they can do with their voice, hands, feet, and toes. Soon they exercise rolling skills, itch, walking, and other great physical adventures. Through "the optics of a child," here is what y'all might expect during the starting time eighteen months.

Ane calendar month

What I'm Similar: I can't support my ain head and I'yard awake about i hr in every ten (though it may seem more).

What I Need: I demand milk, a smoke-costless environs, a warm place to sleep, hugs and kisses, and to hear your loving vocalization. Information technology'south not likewise early to sing or read to me. The more you talk and introduce different things to me, the more I larn.

Three months

What I'm Like: My easily and feet fascinate me. I'll laugh and coo at them and you. I'yard alert for fifteen minutes, maybe longer, at a time. I love to listen to you talk and read to me.

What I Demand: Talk to me, feed me, and sing to me. My favorite songs are lullabies. Cuddle me. I demand fresh air, a ride in a stroller. Give me things to pull and teethe on.

Five months

What I'm Similar: I may exist able to roll over and sit with support. I tin hold my own toys. I babble and am alert for ii hours at a time. I can eat most infant food. Put toys only out of my reach and I will try to reach them. I like to see what I look like and what I am doing.

What I Need: Make certain I'g safety as I'thou learning to crawl. I need happy sounds, and I like to be most you lot. Trip the light fantastic with me, tickle me, and tell me most the globe you run into.

Nine months

What I'g Like: I'yard busy! I like to explore everything! I clamber, sit down, pull on furniture, grasp objects, and understand simple commands. I like to exist with other babies and I react to their happiness and sadness.

What I Need: I need locks on cabinets with medicines, household cleaners, or other dangerous things. Put abroad small sharp objects. I need touches, nutritious food, and educational toys to keep me busy.

Twelve months

What I'm Like: I may be able to pull myself up and sidestep around furniture. I may begin walking. I brand lots of sounds and say "Mama" and "Dada." I'yard curious about flowers, ants, grass, stones, bugs, and clay. I like to get messy, 'crusade that'due south how I learn. My fingers want to touch everything. I similar to play near others shut to my age but not always with them. If I'm walking, please walk at my pace.

What I Demand: I need lots of cuddling and encouragement. I need a safe place to move around as I will be getting into anything I can get my hands on. Read to me over again and over again. Sing our favorite songs. Give me liberty to do most things—until I need assistance. So please stay near.

Twelve to eighteen months

What I'k Similar: I like to eat with a spoon, even if I spill. And I volition spill, spill, spill. I will explore everything high and low, and so please keep me condom. I may take atmosphere tantrums because I have no other way of expressing my feelings or frustrations. Sometimes I'thousand fearful and cling to you lot. I like to have evening routines: music, story, and bath time. I like balls, blocks, pull toys, push toys, take autonomously toys, put together toys, and cuddles. Sometimes I say "No" and hateful it. By eighteen months I tin can walk well past myself, although I autumn a lot. I may spring. I say lots of words, especially the discussion "mine"—considering everything is mine! I like it when we play exterior or go to a park. I like beingness with other children. I try to take off my shoes and socks. I like to build with blocks.

What I Demand: Let me bear on things. Let me endeavor new things with your help, if I demand it. I demand business firm limits and consistency. Please give me praise. The more than you talk with me, the earlier I will tell you how I feel and what I need. I need you lot to observe me and to sympathize why I'1000 upset or mad. I demand your understanding and patience. I want a routine. I need you to non mind the mess I sometimes make. I demand you to say I'm sad if you fabricated a fault. And please read to me over and over again!

The Toddler'south Creed

If I desire it, it'southward mine. If I give it to y'all and change my mind later, it's mine. If I take information technology abroad from y'all, it'due south mine. If it's mine it will never vest to everyone else, no matter what. If we are building something together, all the pieces are mine. If it looks just like mine, it'due south mine.

Eighteen months through two years: an overview

During the next phase of life, your child is get-go to define himself. Expect for child intendance activities that spur his imagination and vocabulary. During the toddler years, children get into everything, and then exercise your all-time to keep your child safe from a potential blow. Still, realize accidents do happen even to the well-nigh careful parents and children.

When looking for quality care for your toddler, consider:

Is the kid intendance setting safe and does information technology provide small group sizes and adult-to-child ratios?
Are there enough toys and activities so sharing isn't a problem?
Are there a lot of toys for building which tin be put together?
Is there a apparel-upward surface area?
Do art activities allow the children the freedom to make their own fine art or do all crafts look the aforementioned?
And last, what are the toilet training and subject practices of the provider?

Two years

What I'm Like: I am loving, appreciating, and responsive to others. I feel pitiful or sad when others my age are upset. I may fifty-fifty like to please y'all. I don't need you so shut for protection, only please don't get too far away. I may exercise the exact opposite of what yous want. I may be rigid, non willing to expect or requite in. I may even be bossy. "Me" is one of my favorite words. I may have fears, especially of sounds, separation, moving household objects, or that big canis familiaris.

What I Need: I need to proceed exploring the world, down the block, the parks, library, and stores, etc. I similar my routines. If you accept to change them, do so slowly. I need you to notice what I exercise well and PRAISE me. Give me two OK choices to distract me when I begin to say "No." I demand yous to exist in control and make decisions when I'm unable to practise so. I exercise better when you plan alee. Be Business firm with me about the rules, but CALM when I forget or disagree. And please exist patient considering I am doing my best to please you, fifty-fifty though I may not act that way.

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Three through five years: an overview

During the preschool years, your child will be incredibly decorated. Cut, pasting, painting, and singing are all daily activities. When your child starts kindergarten around age five, make sure home and child care activities include learning numbers, letters, and simple directions. Most public school kindergarten programs are normally only a few hours a 24-hour interval. You may need care before and after school. It is never too early on to begin your search.

When looking for quality care for your preschooler, consider:

Are there other children the same age or close in age to your child?
Is there infinite for climbing, running, and jumping?
Are there books and learning activities to prepare your child for schoolhouse?
Is television receiver and movie watching selective?
Are learning materials and pedagogy styles historic period-appropriate and respectful of children's cultural and indigenous heritage?
Are caregivers experienced and trained in early on babyhood development?
Are children given choices to do and learn things for themselves?
Are children rushed to complete activities or tasks?
Or are they given enough time to piece of work at their own pace?

Iii years

What I'm Like: Watch out! I am charged with physical energy. I exercise things on my own terms. My mind is a sponge. Reading and socializing are essential in getting me set for school. I like to pretend a lot and enjoy scribbling on everything. I am total of questions, many of which are "Why?" I go fairly reliable about using the potty. I may stay dry at nighttime and may non. Playing and trying new things out are how I learn. Sometimes I like to share. I brainstorm to mind more and begin to sympathize how to solve bug for myself.

What I Need: I desire to know virtually everything and empathize words, and when encouraged, I volition employ words instead of grabbing, crying, or pushing. Play with me, sing to me, and allow's pretend!

Four years

What I'm Like: I'm in an active stage, running, hopping, jumping, and climbing. I love to question "Why?" and "How?" I'm interested in numbers and the globe effectually me. I enjoy playing with my friends. I like to exist creative with my drawings, and I may like my pictures to exist different from everyone else'south. I'm curious well-nigh "sleepovers" simply am non sure if I'grand set yet. I may desire to be just similar my older sister or brother. I am proud that I am so Big now!

What I Need: I need to explore, to effort out, and to test limits. Giving me room to abound doesn't mean letting me do everything. I need reasonable limits set for my ain protection and for others. Let me know clearly what is or isn't to exist expected. I demand to larn to give and have and play well with others. I need to exist read to, talked to, and listened to. I need to be given choices and to learn things in my own fashion. Label objects and describe what'southward happening to me so I tin learn new words and things.

Five years

What I'm Similar: I'm slowing a footling in growth. I accept good motor control, but my small muscles aren't as developed equally my big muscles for jumping. My action level is high and my play has direction. I like writing my name, cartoon pictures, making projects, and going to the library. I'yard more interested now in doing grouping activities, sharing things and my feelings. I like quiet fourth dimension away from the other kids from time to fourth dimension. I may be anxious to begin kindergarten.

What I Need: I demand the opportunity for plenty of active play. I need to do things for myself. I similar to have choices in how I learn new things. But nearly of all, I demand your love and assurance that I'm important. I need time, patience, understanding, and genuine attention. I am learning most who I am and how I fit in with others. I need to know how I am doing in a positive way. I understand more near things and how they work, and then you tin can give me a more than detailed answer. I accept a big imagination and pretend a lot. Although I'm becoming taller, your lap is still i of my favorite places.

Vi through eight years: an overview

Children at this age have busy days filled with recess, homework, and tear-jerking fights with their friends. They brainstorm to think and programme ahead. They have a m questions. This age grouping has good and bad days just like adults. Go ready, because it's only the beginning!

When looking for quality care for your school-age child, consider:

Is the staff or provider trained to piece of work with school-age children?
Is there space for sports activities, climbing, running, and jumping?
Are in that location materials that will involvement your child?
Is television and movie watching selective?
Is there a tranquility place to do homework or read?
Is transportation available?

Half dozen years

What I'm Like: Appreciating and excited over school, I go eagerly virtually of the time. I am self-centered and tin be quite demanding. I call back of myself as a large kid now. I tin be impatient, wanting my demands to be met At present. Yet I may take forever to do ordinary things. I similar to exist with older children more than with younger ones. I often have one shut friend, and sometimes we will exclude a third child.

What I Need: This might be my commencement year in existent school. Although it'due south fun, it's likewise scary. I demand you to provide a safe place for me. Routines and consistency are important. Don't accept my behavior one day and correct me for the aforementioned behavior tomorrow. Set up and explain rules about daily routines similar playtime and bedtime. I need your praise for what I am doing well. Since I may get to before-and after-school care, help me become organized the night before. Make sure I accept everything ready for school.

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Seven years

What I'm Like: I am ofttimes more than quiet and sensitive to others than I was at half dozen. Sometimes I can exist mean to others my age and younger. I may hurt their feelings, only I really don't mean to. I tend to exist more than polite and agreeable to adult suggestions. Past now I am conscious of my schoolwork and am beginning to compare my work and myself with others. I desire my schoolwork to look "right." If I brand mistakes, I can easily get frustrated.

What I Need: I need to tell you lot about my experiences, and I demand the attention of other developed listeners. I actually want yous to listen to me and sympathize my feelings. Please don't put me downward or tell me I tin can't exercise information technology—help me to learn in a positive style. Delight check my homework and reading assignments. Let me go over to my friends and play when possible. I still need hugs, kisses, and a bedtime story.

8 years

What I'g Similar: My curiosity and eagerness to explore new things continues to grow. Friends are more of import. I enjoy playing and beingness with peers. Recess may exist my favorite "subject" in schoolhouse. I may follow you around the firm just to find out how you feel and think, particularly about me. I am also beginning to be aware of adults as individuals and am curious most what they do at work. Around the business firm or at child care, I can be quite helpful.

What I Need: My concept of an independent self has been developing. I assert my individuality, and in that location are bound to exist conflicts. I am expected to learn and read and to get along with others. I need back up in my efforts then that I volition have a desire for achievement. Your expectations will have a big impact on me. If I am not doing well in schoolhouse, explain to me that everyone learns at a different pace, and that tiny improvements make a departure. Tell me that the most important matter is to do my best. You can ask my teachers for means to help me at home. Bug in reading and writing should be handled now to avoid more trouble after. And busy eight-year-olds are usually hungry!

Nine through eleven years: an overview

Children from nine to eleven are similar the socks they buy, with a dandy range of stretch. Some are however "little kids" and others are quite mature. Some are already entering puberty, with body, emotions, and attitude changes during this stage. Parents need to take these changes into account when they are choosing child care for this age group. These children begin to think logically and like to work on existent tasks, such equally mowing lawns or blistering. They have a lot of natural marvel virtually living things and enjoy having pets.

What I'm Like: I have lots of energy, and physical activities are important to me. I like to have part in sports and group activities. I like apparel, music, and my friends. I'm invited to sleepovers and to friends' houses frequently. I want my hair cut a sure way. I'thou not every bit sure about school equally I am about my social life. Those of the states who are girls are frequently taller and heavier than the boys. Some girls may be beginning to bear witness signs of puberty, and we may be self-conscious about that. I feel powerful and independent, as though I know what to do and how to do it. I can recollect for myself and desire to exist independent. I may be eager to become an adult.

What I Need: I need y'all to keep communication lines open past setting rules and giving reasons for them, past being a good listener, and past planning ahead for changes in the schedule. Recollect, I am all the same a child so don't await me to deed similar an developed. Know that I similar to be an active member of my household, to assistance plan activities, and to be a part of the controlling. Once I am eleven or older, I may be fix to take care of myself from time to time rather than go to kid care. I still demand adult help and encouragement in doing my homework.

Equally children enter adolescence, they want their independence. Yet they notwithstanding want to be children and need your guidance. As your child grows, it's easier to leave him at home for longer periods of time and also ask him to intendance for younger children. Trust your instincts and scout your child to make sure yous are non placing as well much responsibility on him at one time. Talk to him. Go on the door open. Make sure he is comfortable with a new role of caregiver and is still able to terminate his school work and other projects.

11 through fourteen years: an overview

Your child is changing then fast—in body, mind, and emotions—that you inappreciably know her anymore. One day she'south every bit responsible and cooperative equally an adult; the next day she's more like a six-year-old. Planning across today's baseball game or slumber party is hard. One minute she's sunny and enthusiastic. The next she's gloomy and silent. Keep absurd. These children are in process; they're becoming more self-sufficient. Information technology's Independence Day!

What I'm Like: I'm more independent than I used to be, but I'm quite cocky-conscious. I recollect more like an developed, but there'due south no simple answer. I like to talk almost bug in the adult world. I like to call up for myself, and though I ofttimes feel confused, my opinions are important to me, and I want others to respect them. I seem to be moving away from my family. Friends are more important than ever. To have them like me, I sometimes human activity in means that adults disapprove of. Merely I still need reasonable rules prepare by adults. Notwithstanding, I'g more than agreement and cooperative. I desire zero to practice with babysitters—in fact, if I'm mature enough I can often be past myself or watch others.

What I Need: I need to know my family is behind me no matter how I may stumble in my attempts to grow upward. This growing upward is serious concern, and I need to laugh and play a lot to lighten upwardly and keep my balance. I need you lot to understand that I'thousand doing my best and to encourage me to see my mistakes as learning experiences. Delight don't tease me about my clothes, hair, male child/girl friends. I as well demand privacy with my own infinite and things.