At a Glance
One of the more important parts of parenting is recognizing and supporting your child through their developmental milestones. Milestones are key moments in a child’s growth. They mark progress in areas like movement, speech, learning and social interaction. From their first smile to their first high school friendship, each milestone reflects an important step in a child’s development.
Every child grows at their own pace. However, understanding milestones can help parents respond to their child’s needs and set realistic expectations. Parents play an important part in supporting children by providing a nurturing environment where they can explore the world around them.
Select each age group to learn about age-specific milestones, or select the “Red Flags” area to learn about concerns you might have as a parent.
Although we use the term “parents” throughout this course, it is meant for anyone who plays a significant role in children’s lives. This includes biological, foster, adoptive, and stepparents; grandparents and relatives; and other caregivers and guardians.