What are questions about child development?

In the family survey that was sent out, we asked you to tell us what you would ask a child development expert if given the opportunity. We received some great (and challenging) questions that we want to share and help answer using the knowledge and expertise that we have here at UCCC.

In this second installment, we want to focus on understanding your child’s development.

You asked:

·         Should I be concerned about my child’s speech?

·         How is my child developing?

·         Is my child developing normally?

We are going to try to help answer some of your questions around development and what you can do if you are concerned.

How is my child developing and is it normal?

One way to find out about your child’s development is to ask his or her teacher. Your child’s teachers are a wealth of information about your child’s development. Did you know that the teachers at UCCC are frequently observing and documenting each child’s development? We also use the DIAL and DECA to help us understand how each child is developing. Teachers usually share all of this information with families during conferences, but are always happy to share this information if a family has a question or concern.

Another way to help understand your child’s development is to do your own observations. Observe how your child plays and interacts in different situations (at home, at the park, at a family member’s house, in the grocery store). Then you can use your own observations to discuss with your child’s teacher or compare to developmental milestones. If you want to know more about what is typical for your child’s age, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Learn the Signs, Act Early website.

It is important to know that there is a wide range of ‘normal’ for children in meeting developmental milestones and each child is an individual. Also remember that you are the expert on your child. If you are concerned or feel that something isn’t quite right, trust your gut and seek out support.

What can I do if I am concerned?

Discuss your concerns with someone. You can talk with your child’s teachers, UCCC’s Educational Support Specialist (Jessica), or your child’s pediatrician. Any of these people will help connect you with the appropriate resources to support your child and family. You can also reach out to your school district’s Parents as Teachers program or Missouri’s First Steps program.

Check out this awesome resource with developmental milestones, tips for supporting your child’s development, and when and how to get help for concerns.

Post by Jessica Sims

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What are questions about child development?

Common questions on child learning & developmental difficulties

It’s only natural for parents to be concerned about their children; all parents experience a bit of anxiety from time to time. One major worry is the rise of child learning and development difficulties. These concerns can be hard to deal with. Especially with little understanding of what they are and how to manage them. We love kids. And we’re passionate about supporting parents too. With over 25 years of experience, The Child Development Centre shares its expertise; we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions for you.

What are the most important things for a child’s development?

The first you may think obvious, but the second may surprise you.

Engagement: babies thrive when given constant stimulation, be it full conversation or movement. This is the same for toddlers and onward. The music grows the brain so rapidly that there is an average 7% increase in IQ and future life success for those who study an instrument when young.

Music grows the brain so rapidly that there is an average 7% increase in IQ.

Occasional Boredom: Children with iPads, TV, classes and school work, rarely have downtime or what we call boredom time. They are constantly switched on. This is increasingly leading to mental health problems and stress-related issues. But just as importantly, constant technological stimulation removes the time for imaginary friends and games. Making up scenarios and allowing the brain to develop in a creative manner is so important. Academia is only one aspect of educational life and development.

My child is struggling or is often slightly behind their peers (socially, academically or in movement/development). How can I help them?

The first step is to understand exactly what they are contending with. All too often, disorders such as dyslexia and ADHD are misdiagnosed. Hard questions such as are they receiving enough attention from parents (we are all guilty of working too much or being too busy)? Are their behavioural issues to do with parenting or environmental factors or are there true physical reasons for the difficulties? We have a symptom checklist on our website for 4 years old and upwards.

What is causing the rise in the number of cases of Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and ADHD?

What are questions about child development?

There is no one answer. The two main reasons are changing environmental factors and a shift in our understanding. The change in environmental factors includes the delay in maternal conception age, mothers working to full term, varying birth methods, diet and lack of movement in a child’s early years. Now that we have a better understanding of the symptoms faced, we’re no longer just labelling children as underachievers or ‘difficult’.

What are Retained Reflexes and who does it affect?

You may not have heard of Retained Reflexes before, but the truth is if you are seeing symptoms in your child, it is likely that you have contended with some form of Retained Reflexes throughout your own life. Retained Reflexes are hereditary and are the underlying cause for all diagnoses of developmental disorders such as ADHD, Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. It is the incorrect retention of early birth and development reflexes, that account for slight divergences in development. One retained reflex alone can often easily be overcome, but many together can make life quite a struggle. It is important to note this doesn’t affect IQ or intelligence, but rather it restricts the body’s ability to execute day to day life efficiently. This includes social interaction & emotional development.

What are questions about child development?
At The Child Development Centre, we run several different methods and therapies to help children with Retained Reflexes and Neuromotor Immaturity, with an individualized approach. The therapies used are all natural, non-invasive and drug-free. The revolutionary techniques used, have transformed the lives of thousands of children, along with the lives of their parents and extended families.


Written By amanda On April 23, 2019


What happens during child development?

Child development incorporates, physical growth as well as intellectual, language, emotional and social development. Whilst these aspects are often considered separately, in reality each influences all of the others. For example, as the brain develops physically, so intellectual abilities increase.

What are the areas of development in a child?

There are 5 key areas of development:.
gross motor skills, for example crawling, jumping or running..
fine motor skills, such as writing and drawing..
speech and language..
cognitive and intellectual, such as counting or identifying shapes..
social and emotional skills, such as playing with other children..

What is the most crucial time in child development?

Recent brain research indicates that birth to age three are the most important years in a child's development. Here are some tips to consider during your child's early years: Be warm, loving, and responsive. Talk, read, and sing to your child.

What affects child development the most?

Nutrition, maybe the most important ofthe lot, has the most profound impact on children's healthy growth and development. Abalanced diet, rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, provides everything that a child's body needs to grow properly.