Child Development - 16 Months

Parents can be stressed at the idea of raising a toddler. However, the second year of life is not as challenging as the years to come, so parents should enjoy every moment.

By the age of 16 months, most children are increasing their understanding of the world around them. For example, they are less likely to place objects in their mouth and instead will use them for their intended purpose (such as coloring with crayons). A good way for parents to interact with their 16-month-old is through simple games like peekaboo or name that body part.

While most children can walk fairly comfortably by the age of 16 months, they are still unsteady on their feet. For this reason, it is important to keep a close eye on your 16-month-old in order to prevent falls or serious injury. Parents should be sure that the house is childproof by now, meaning that the corners of all sharp furniture are covered to limit bumps and bruises, for instance. Children at this age will also be able to reach more objects than they could before-and parents can be certain that they will try to grab anything within their reach.

Several challenges may arise during the sixteenth month of life. First, parents might find it increasingly difficult to keep their child occupied. Having a variety of games and activities on hand can help to fix this problem. Second, many children begin expressing a preference for their mothers around this age. Such a preference can be difficult for fathers to handle, and it can make separation anxiety worse for both mother and child. One solution is to get fathers more involved to minimize this preference and anxiety, but parents should take comfort in knowing that this is usually temporary.

The sixteenth month of a child's development can be exciting for parents as their child shows more understanding of the world. However, it can also be frustrating to watch them fall as they learn to walk. Parents should try to take each moment as it comes and enjoy the experience.

Along with being a proud father, Joseph enjoys writing and gardening. One of his favorite web sites is Garden Harvest Supply which offers tomato plants and herb plants for sale.

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Normal Child Development - How Your Child Develops in a Normal Way

Every parent is concerned about the development of their child, and wants assurance that their child is growing and developing at a healthy rate. If you are a parent who has a basic understanding of normal child development you will have a clear understanding of how your child is most likely to develop, you'll have a basic calendar of events to look forward to, and you'll be better able to stimulate your child and encourage and assist them in healthy and age appropriate growth and development.

An understanding of normal child development can also draw attention to any potential growth and development challenges your child may encounter along the way. As your child reaches the chronological age that a particular milestone typically occurs in, then you can foster that growth by providing opportunities for your child to learn.

For example, at 12 weeks, an infant who is following the typical path of normal child development is learning to raise their head and shoulders to 90 degrees when they are lying on their belly. A great way to encourage your baby to develop the physical strength to reach this milestone is to allow them ample 'tummy time.'

When your baby is alert and content, lay them on a blanket on the floor; then get right down on the floor with them. Call to your baby, hold a toy out for them to look at, find a way to entertain them for short periods of time so that they have a chance to build up those neck and shoulder muscles. But don't push it. When your baby starts to get fussy, pick them up. Try and fit in a few times throughout the day to allow your baby to explore the world while on their tummy.

Normal child development is gauged in a child's cognitive development as well as their physical development. At around 6 months of age, babies are beginning to develop object permanence, which means that when an object is taken out of their sight they still remember that it exists.

A great way to help your baby develop this cognitive milestone in normal child development is to play peek-a-boo. Cover your face with a blanket and then whip it off with a smile. Your baby will be thrilled to see you re-appear again and again. Eventually, as your baby begins to figure it out, she will take the blanket off your face, because she will suddenly be in on the joke. She will have developed object permanence.

Babies also love to practice object permanence by dropping toys and watching you pick them up. So the next time your baby throws his toy off the high chair for the twentieth time, remind yourself that you are helping him develop his cognitive abilities by continuing to pick that toy up and put it back on the high chair.

A child masters an impressive list of accomplishments during infancy and toddler-hood. They begin life unable to lift their chin or effectively communicate their wants and needs. But week by week babies follow a chain of events developing skills and achieving milestones as they make their way along the path of normal child development. Being aware of these milestones allows us to be more aware and more involved in the growth and development of our child.

Daniel D. Dwase is publisher and co-author of http://www.child-development-guide.com - a website for the development of children from birth to teens offering helpful tips and advice for parents, early year's professionals, and students.

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