Physical Development In Early Years

Children follow the same pattern of development, but at different rates, reaching their milestones at different times. In a babyâ€TMs early years, development happens fast so their milestones are close together, becoming further apart as they grow older.

The aspects of development are measured as physical, language and communication, social, emotional, moral, and behavioural challenges and intellectual and cognitive development.

Physical Development

During a babyâ€TMs first year, they develop physically at a fast rate. Theyâ€TMll begin latching onto their motherâ€TMs breast and as their muscles begin developing, theyâ€TMll be able to grasp things and put thing into their mouth.

At 1 year, theyâ€TMll become mobile, sitting up, crawling, and

Theyâ€TMll enjoy trying to feed and dress themselves. Theyâ€TMll start climbing up things like steps, playing with moving toys and balls. Theyâ€TMll be able to hold things, pencils etc. to make marks on paper.

At 3 years, with more fine control over their hand movements, they learn how to draw recognisable shapes. Theyâ€TMll enjoy looking at books and using toys they can sit and move on, e.g. a tricycle. Theyâ€TMll walk, climb, run and jump with confidence.

Between 3 and 7 years, confidence plays a big part in child development, helping them develop as theyâ€TMre unafraid to try new things. Fine motor skills continue to become more controlled, allowing them to become better at drawing, writing and using scissors to cut-out shapes. Running, jumping and using balls become enjoyable.

At 7 years, children start developing interests, becoming good at the skills needed around the interest/activity. Their coordination develops, helping their motor movements become very fine, giving access to activityâ€TMs like playing instruments.

Between 10-11 years, girls start early signs of puberty, boys usually start a little

their mum or doctor. They start learning about boundaries, why theyâ€TMre important and necessary. Adult approval becomes important for their learning behaviour and theyâ€TMll respond well to being given a small amount of responsibility. Theyâ€TMll want to become more independent, wanting to do things and becoming frustrated when they arenâ€TMt able to.

Towards the later stages of primary, friendships become more fixed and they develop friendship groups. Problem solving becomes a way for them to use their brains and they start doing activities by themselves, both helping the childâ€TMs independence. They become aware of what others think of them and still require adult praise for encouragement.

Between 12-19 years, theyâ€TMll have variable self-esteem, meaning theyâ€TMre often vulnerable. They wa independence so may distance themselves from their parents, instead spending a lot of time with friends. Theyâ€TMll shift between childish and adult behaviour, varying in emotional maturity which affects how they deal with everyday situations and how they interact with people. They lack life experience meaning theyâ€TMre still vulnerable at late