Normal Development: 15 Months Old

Here's what you might see your child doing between the ages of 15 and 18 months.

Daily Activities

• Avidly explores everything.

• Revels in water play.

• Likes to feed self from cup and spoon

• Begins to use more objects conventionally (for example, may put comb in hair).

• Enjoys throwing, rolling, pushing, pulling toys.

Motor Skills

• Walks without Stands unsupported.assistance with wide stance and outstretched arms.

• Climbs stairs with assistance.

• Refines grasp.

• Picks up objects from a standing position.

Language Development

• Adds gestures to speech.

• Prefers adults to other children.

• Likes to watch and imitate activities.

Cognitive Development (Thinking and Learning)

• Looks to parent for help in solving problems.

• Learns cause-effect relationship (repeats enjoyable actions).

• Looks for hidden objects in last place seen.

• Begins to experiment through trial and error.

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician

Normal Development: 18 Months Old

Here's what you might see your child doing between the ages of 18 and 24 months.

Daily Activities

• Begins to eat with fork.

• Enjoys imitating parents.

Motor Skills

• Walks proficiently.

• Enjoys pushing and pulling toys while walking.

• Runs awkwardly and falls a lot.

• Walks backward a short distance.

Cognitive Development (Thinking and Learning)

• Understands that something can exist even when hidden.

• Can picture objects and events mentally.

Language Development

• Speaks from 3 to 50 words.

• Wants to name everything.

• May use a few two-word combinations.

• Repeats familiar and unfamiliar sounds and gestures.

Emotional and Behavioral Development

• May begin to show frustration when not understood.

• May show strong attachment to a toy or blanket.

• May resist bedtime, prefers predictable pattern of bedtime events.

• May respond with "no" constantly.

• Likes to show some independence (feeds self, undresses self).

• Begins to develop a self-concept.

• Responds to simple requests ("Bring me your book").

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.

Normal Development: 2 Years Old

Physical Development

• is constantly in motion

• tires easily

• runs and climbs

• walks up and down stairs alone

• begins to walk on tiptoe

• builds a tower of 3 to 5 blocks

• progresses from random scribbling to somewhat more controlled movements

• begins to button and unbutton large buttons

• develops greater independence in toileting needs (still needs some assistance)

may have difficulty settling down for bedtime

Emotional Development

• gets upset and impatient easily

• shows anger by crying or striking out

• becomes frustrated when not understood

• wants own way

• may assert self by saying "no"

• reverts to baby behavior at times

• gets upset when daily routine changes

• shows sharp mood changes

Social Development

• imitates with considerable realism

• becomes more interested in brothers and sisters

• knows gender

• may have an imaginary playmate

• enjoys playing among, not with, other children

• does not share

• claims everything is "mine"

• may scratch, hit, bite, and push other children

Mental Development

• dramatically increases interest in language

• shows frustration if not understood

• uses child grammar

• uses three- to five-word phrases by end of second year

• understands more words than can speak

• is in the "do-it-myself" stage

• cannot be reasoned with much of the time

• cannot choose between alternatives

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician

Normal Development: 3 Years Old

Physical Development

• jumps, gallops, tiptoes, runs smoothly

• can walk backwards a long distance

• may stumble and fall frequently

• rides a tricycle

• pours from a pitcher or milk carton using both hands

• undresses self, but needs help with dressing

• buttons and unbuttons large buttons

• uses crayons with somewhat more control

• most primary teeth have erupted

Emotional Development

• becoming more relaxed and flexible

• still cries and hits at times

• quickly alternates between shyness and exuberance

• may show fear of unfamiliar objects or activities

• may want to be a baby at times

• begins to talk about dreams

Social Development

• is keenly interested in family activities

• idolizes parents

• seeks approval from adults

• tests limits constantly

• often prefers to play alone

• may have an imaginary playmate

• shares and takes turns occasionally

• quarrels with other children

Mental Development

• develops more stable concept of self

• speaks about 1,000 words

• begins to use pronouns in speech

• grasps some grammatical principles

• delights in hearing stories over and over again

• loves learning short rhymes and songs

• may match or identify primary colors

• enjoys imaginative and imitative play

• can assume some very simple responsibilities

• puts toys away with adult help

• has attention span of no more than a few minutes

• can choose between alternatives

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.

Normal Development: 4 Years Old

Physical Development

• hops, runs, skips, climbs with increasing skill

• tires easily

• is accident prone

• enjoys making loud noises, but is frightened by unexpected sounds

• toilets independently

• makes designs and draws recognizable objects

• manipulates blunt scissors

• dresses self (with exception of shoes)

• small muscle control lags behind large muscle

Emotional Development

• regresses to baby behavior periodically

• shows new fears (becoming aware of more dangers)

• has a penchant for silliness

Social Development

• refers to parents as final authority

• continues to test parental limits

• uses "naughty" words to observe reaction

• is ready for group activities

• talks "with" another child, but does not listen to what other child says

• is comfortable with other children, but shares grudgingly

• tattles and name-calls

• is more aware of sex role differences

• imitates adult activities

Mental Development

• is more likely to solve problems through words than aggressive action

• has a vocabulary of about 1,500 to 2,000 words

• speaks in 4 to 5 word sentences

• fancies funny, exaggerated stories

• can count to 5

• identifies some shapes

• begins to understand some concepts of time (yesterday, today, tomorrow)

• asks endless "why" questions

• usually can put toys and materials away without adult assistance

• insists on finishing an activity or project

• likes helping with simple tasks

• begins to know difference between right and wrong

• shows growing ability to distinguish real-life from make-believe

• tells tall tales, but cannot always distinguish between honesty and dishonesty

• believes the only viewpoint is his or her own

• believes two unrelated events can have a cause-effect relationship

These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician

Normal Development: 5 Years Old

Physical Development

• begins to lose primary (baby) teeth

• displays left- or right-handedness

• builds elaborate structures

• tires easily

• bathes, eats, dresses, toilets independently

• begins to participate in semistructured games

• enjoys active games and movement

• enjoys playing noisy rhythm instruments

• is curious about reproduction and birth

Emotional Development

• begins to express more feelings in words

• embarrasses easily, and cannot yet laugh at self

• feelings about death appear

• shows guilt over misbehavior

• likes independence

• is serious and dependable

Social Development

• submits to more rules and regulations

• may tattle, name-call, hit and shove at times

• distinguishes between sex roles

• cooperates in simple group tasks

• likes to please adults

• takes turns during playing and speaking

• gets along comfortably with other children

• is keenly interested in family activities

Mental Development

• begins to recognize letters and words

• sustains activities over longer periods of time

• has developed an overall image of self

• craves facts

• names simple colors

• understands left and right on self

• has a vocabulary of about 2,000 to 2,500 words

• can help with chores

• can learn address and phone number

• can think some things through

• counts to 10

• begins to understand concept of opposites

• can speak in sentences of 6 to 8 words

• identifies coins

• engages in elaborate dramatic play

• understands concepts of morning, afternoon, night; yesterday, today, tomorrow

• is better able to distinguish make-believe from real life

These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.

Normal Development: 6 Years Old

Physical Development

• loves active play but may tire easily

• can be reckless (does not understand dangers completely)

• is still improving basic motor skills

• is still not well coordinated

• begins to learn some specific sports skills like batting a ball

• dawdles much of the time

• is fascinated with the subject of teeth

• may become a more finicky eater

• uses crayons and paints with some skill, but has difficulty writing and cutting

• may resist baths

• permanent teeth erupting, both molars and front teeth

Emotional Development

• may have unpredictable mood swings

• is quite sensitive to criticism

• has a problem admitting a mistake

• feels quite guilty about mistakes

Social Development

• evaluates self and friends

• begins to impose rules on play activities

• cooperates with other children with some difficulty

• has difficulty considering the feelings of others

• values independence

Mental Development

• likes taking responsibility for simple household chores

• likes to make simple decisions

• counts to 100

• asks endless "how-what-when-where-why" questions

• continues to refine concepts of shape, space, time, color, and numbers

• begins to understand the difference between intentional and accidental

• begins to understand differences of opinion

• still has a short attention span (about 15 minutes maximum)

• enjoys dramatic play

These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician

Normal Development: 7 Years Old

Physical Development

• still has better large muscle than small muscle coordination

• rides a bicycle

• begins to alternate rigorous and restful activities independently

• favors competitive games

• has more refined eye-hand coordination

• may ask questions about life, death, and the human body

• still preoccupied with subject of teeth

Emotional Development

• becomes better at expressing negative feelings through language

• may blame another for own mistake

Social Development

• plays with boys and girls together

• usually has a best friend of the same sex

• shows growing concern about popularity among peers

• seeks approval of peers as well as adults

• takes it upon self to enforce rules

• tattles on other children perceived to be misbehaving

• tends to be quite critical

• begins to look for role-models

Mental Development

• experiences rapid language development

• wants to be "first," "best," "perfect," "correct," in everything

• is greatly concerned with right and wrong

• still has difficulty with the concepts of honesty and dishonesty

• begins to use logical reasoning to solve problems

• continues to enjoy dramatic play

These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.

Normal Development: 8 Years Old

Physical Development

• Continues to be accident prone, especially on the playground.

• Has more control over small muscles, and therefore writes and draws with more skill.

• Displays a casual attitude toward clothing and appearance.

• Seems to be all hands and arms.

• May be concerned about height and weight.

• Seems to possess boundless energy.

Emotional Development

• Begins to realize others experience similar feelings of anger, fear, sadness.

• Is easily embarrassed.

• Becomes discouraged easily.

• Is often self-deprecating.

Social Development

• Can be argumentative and bossy.

• Can be generous and responsive.

• Shows increasing ability to understand the needs and opinions of others.

• Is preoccupied with finding compatible friends.

• Especially likes to belong to informal "clubs" formed by children themselves.

• Also likes to belong to more structured adult-led groups such as Scouts.

• Begins to display a sense of loyalty.

• Enjoys secrets.

• Shows some hostility toward the opposite sex.

• May question duty to participate in household chores.

Mental Development

• Is often idealistic.

• Is keenly interested in projects and collections.

• Is proud of completing tasks.

• Resists adult guidance at times.

These guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.

Normal Development: 9 Years Old

Physical Development

• acquires greater small muscle coordination

• has increasing dexterity

• favors active, highly-charged games and sports

• wants to excel in sports and recreational skills

• becomes more interested in clothing and appearance

• laughs at bathroom humor

Emotional Development

• becomes self-absorbed and introspective

• tends to be critical of self

• takes comfort in knowing others experience similar troubling feelings

Social Development

• has ideas and interests independent from parents

• does not like anything "different"

• wants to talk, dress, and act just like friends

• is involved in informal clubs and small groups of the same sex

• begins to just sit and talk with friends

Mental Development

• uses reference books with increasing skill

• becomes immersed in a hobby or project, then drops it for another

• may be a perfectionist

• generally follows instructions

• is developing personal standards of right and wrong

• is highly concerned about fairness

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician

Normal Development: 10 Years Old

Physical Development

• physical growth and development varies enormously among this age group

• is energetic and spirited

• is usually awkward

• strives to be physically fit

• is fascinated with how the body works

• may be curious about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco

• continues to revel in bathroom humor

Emotional Development

• fluctuates between dependent child and independent pre-teen

• becomes increasingly self-conscious

Social Development

• seeks approval for being "good" from significant people

• becomes preoccupied with the opposite sex

• relates to peer group intensely and abides by group decisions

• succumbs to peer pressure more readily

• does not want to be "different"

• continues to participate in small groups of same sex

• confides constantly in best friend

• can be fickle

Mental Development

• is eager to learn and master new skills

• is proud of doing things well

• is concerned about personal capabilities

• has internalized standards of right and wrong to some degree

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician