All the children are not same and one should understand that each child grows and gains skill at his or her own pace. It is common for a child to be ahead in one area, such as language, but a little behind in another. Growth is the progressive increase in the size of a child or parts of a child. Development is progressive acquisition of various skills (abilities) such as head support, speaking,learning, expressing the feelings and relating with other people.
- Physical Development: Height, weight and head circumference of the child is measured regularly to assess the growth of the child.
- Emotional and Social Development: The earliest sign of social development is at 2 months when the child shows social smile. As the child grows older he learns to interact with his pears and become friends.
- Language Development: Most children show signs of vocalisation at 7 -8 months with blabbering. The child uses mono-syllables by age 1 year and by age 2, most children can say at least 50 words. By age 5, a child may know thousands of words and be able to carry on conversations and tell stories.
- Cognitive Development: A child this age makes great strides in being able to think and reason. In these years, children learn their letters, counting, colours and Attains control over bowl and bladder.
- Sensory and Motor Skills Development: By age 2, most children can walk up stairs one at a time, kick a ball, and draw simple strokes with a pencil. By age 5, most can dress and undress themselves and write letters.
Growth charts are simple tool to assess the growth and development in the child and should be monitored during each visit with the paediatrician.
