Last Updated on March 28, 2021
Having a child and watching them grow is one of the best experiences, and one of the most difficult challenges in life. On the one hand, parents find enormous pride and happiness in raising their children, but on the other hand, there is constant worry and fear that something may go wrong. People always ask themselves, “Are we going to be bad parents?” First and foremost, the parent-child relationship should be based on dedication and lots of love.
Discover the top 8 wonderful periods in a child´s life that every parent should be prepared for, and find out about the main milestones of child development by age group, from 0 to 18 years old. Will you accompany us on this trip?
1. Newborn to 3 Months: Cry, Cry and Cry
After birth, the baby is exhausted after leaving the mother’s womb. It is natural that when discovering a new world – a colder and unknown place – the baby will be uncomfortable and constantly crying. Crying is the tool that the baby uses to communicate what he wants, such as when he wants to eat, when he feels pain or discomfort, wanting to sleep, doing personal hygiene, among other needs. And it is up to you, as a mother or father, to understand this type of healthy communication and to distinguish the difference between cries – yes, they are quite different! The fact that the baby cries for no apparent reason can also be understood as a request for affection or attention, as he or she needs to feel protected, cherished, and safe in the family. This is the beginning of the prenatal period, where parents can kiss, sing, and talk to their babies to convey all their love and affection.
2. 4 to 6 Months: Introducing the Baby to Others
As soon as the baby is four months old, they are ready to meet and connect with other people. The baby laughs, chooses, develops listening skills by paying more attention to the human voice, and responds to what people say to him (he may not understand anything, but it doesn’t matter). That is why adults make the Gugu dada, grimaces, or other childish things to attract attention and stimulate their baby’s reaction. It is at this stage that children begin to recognize the faces of other people besides the face of the father or mother and also of objects that are familiar to them.
