Development Stages and Milestones

Infancy (Birth to 2 Years)

Begins with the neonatal period (first 4 weeks) where newborns adapt to life outside the womb
Rapid growth: significant physical development and changes to size and weight
Early milestone: holding head up independently around 3 months
Crawling typically begins around 6-9 months, and most infants start walking by their first birthday
By 2 years, toddlers have developed a range of motor skills, including climbing, running, and handling small objects carefully

Pre-School (2 to 4 Years)

Also called ‘toddler’ stage, marked by increased independence
Significant language development, with vocabulary expanding from single words to full sentences
Emotional development consists of understanding and managing feelings and emotions
Social development expands with more interaction with peers–learning to share and cooperate

Early Childhood (4 to 8 Years)

Also known as ‘early school years’, children experience further development in language, cognitive, and social skills
Increased understanding of rules and the world around them, enabling more complex play scenarios
Develop basic concepts of numbers, time, and money
Progress in motor development means children can perform complex tasks and engage in sports

Preadolescence (9 to 12 Years)

Transition phase between childhood and adolescence, often marked by onset of puberty
Physical growth is faster, and secondary sexual characteristics may start to appear
Increased cognitive abilities allowing abstract thought and problem solving
Emotional development comprises understanding more complex emotions

Adolescence (13 to 18 Years)

Majority of physical development occurs during this stage, including puberty
Significant changes in emotional development, with a greater focus on identity formation and peer relationships
Cognitive development advances, as individuals develop the ability to think in a more abstract and rational way
Decision making skills and moral reasoning abilities develop further

Adulthood (over 18 years)

Broken down into stages: young adulthood (18-40 years), middle adulthood (40-65 years), and older adulthood (65+ years)
Physical development tends to slow and then decline after approximately 30 years
Emotional development centres on managing life’s challenges and changes
Cognitive development often involves lifelong learning, problem-solving, and adaptation to life’s changes

Remember that not all individuals will reach these developmental milestones at the exact age. These are averages and some developmental delays or accelerations could occur.