Growth milestones

Growth Milestones for 1- to 3-month-year-old

In your baby’s first few months of life, he or she will develop many new abilities. The tight muscles of a newborn will begin to relax, and arms and legs will begin to extend. While every baby is different, your baby may begin to:

• develop stronger neck muscles
• bob head
• turn head from side to side when placed on abdomen
• bring hands or objects to mouth
• look at hands
• follow light, faces and objects
• listen to sounds
• open and close hands
• hold, then drops a rattle or other object
• active leg movements
• at the end of 3 months, raise head and chest when placed on abdomen and start to reach hands to objects.

How much will my baby grow?

On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about one and a half to two pounds each month
• grow over one inch of height each month
• increase head size by about a half inch each month.

What can my baby say?

It’s thrilling for parents to watch their babies transform into social beings who can interact with others. Common vocal milestones in this age group include:

• cooing and vowel sounds
• cries that differ for hunger, fatigue, etc. and are more purposeful.

What does my baby understand?

Your baby's understanding and awareness of the world increases during this time. Your baby may begin to:

• recognize familiar voices, especially of mother and father
• smile in response to others
• respond to social contact
• move arms, legs or body in rhythm with other's voice

What can I do to help my baby’s development?

Young babies need the security of a parent's arms, and they understand the reassurance and comfort of your voice, tone and emotions. Consider the following as ways to foster emotional security of your newborn:

• hold your baby face to face and make eye contact
• talk to your baby with a soothing, animated voice
• give your baby rattles and soft toys with different sounds
• let your baby hear different sounds (i.e., wind chime, ticking clock, soft music, music box)
• show your baby bright pictures of black-and-white images
• hang a mobile with bright objects above your baby
• call your baby by name
• hold your baby during feedings and provide comfort when she is distressed, and cuddle her when she’s happy.

Growth milestones for 4-to 6-month-old

Babies between 4 and 6 months old are very social. Babies begin moving in much more purposeful ways. While every baby is different, your baby may begin to:

• balance head well
• sits with support, back is rounded
• begins to support body with legs when held in standing position
• rolls from back to front and front to back by 6 months
• moves object from one hand to other
• grabs feet and toes when lying on back
• makes "swimming" motions with arms and legs when placed on abdomen
• begins drooling (not always a sign of teething)
• naps two to three times a day, for one to three hours each (on average)
• begins to sleep longer at night (six to eight hours consistently)
• has full-color vision, able to see at longer distances

How much will my baby grow?

On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about one and a quarter pounds each month; by 6 months has doubled birth weight
• grow a half to one inch of height each month
• increase head size by about a half inch each month.

What can my baby say?

It’s thrilling for parents to watch their babies transform into social beings who can interact with others. Common vocal milestones in this age group include:

• cooing and gurgling when talked to, or in response to toys
• babbling, begins to imitate sounds
• by 6 months, making single syllable sounds (da, ma, ba)
• laughing
• squealing
• blowing bubbles or "raspberries".

What does my baby understand?

Your baby's understanding and awareness of the world increases during this time, and may start to interact with others. Your baby may begin to:

• recognize familiar things and people
• hold out arms to be picked up
• learn the concept of object permanence (i.e., a partially hidden object under a blanket is still there)
• show displeasure when object or person goes away
• recognize his/her own name
• understand "no"
• understand cause and effect (i.e., the sound a toy makes when it is dropped).

What can I do to help my baby’s development?

Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your baby:

• repeat sounds and smile when your baby makes sounds
• laugh with your baby
• talk to and imitate your baby during feeding, dressing, changing diapers and bath time
• place safe toys near your baby to encourage reaching and grasping
• encourage laughing and play by making funny faces or sounds or blowing on your baby's belly and laughing
• play peek-a-boo games to help develop object permanence, the understanding that objects are still present even though they cannot be seen
• show your baby bright picture books and interesting objects
• show your baby his reflection in a mirror
• read books and stories to your baby, and point out pictures
• take your baby outside to see new things and people
• hold your baby for feedings and cuddle him when he is awake
• hold and comfort your baby when he is unhappy.

Growth milestones for 7- to 9-month-old

Babies are rapidly developing their physical abilities at this age. They become mobile for the first time, and safety in the home becomes an important issue. While every baby is different, your baby may begin to:

• roll over easily from front to back, and back to front
• sit leaning forward on hands at first, then unsupported
• bounce when supported to stand
• get on hands and feet and rock back-and-forth
• creep, scoot, crawl—backwards first, then forward
• begin to pull up to stand
• reach for and grasp objects using whole hand
• bang toy on table
• hold an object in each hand
• hold a bottle
• play peek-a-boo
• grasp object with thumb and finger by 8 to 9 months
• begin to teeth, usually starting with the two center-front teeth in the lower jaw, then the two center-front teeth in the upper jaw
• learn to drink from cup
• puts everything into mouth
• naps are usually twice, sometimes three times a day, for one to two hours each (on average)
• awaken during the night and cry.

How much will my baby grow?

On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about one pound each month; boys usually weigh about 1/2 pound more than girls
• grow a half inch of height each month
• increase head size by about a quarter inch each month.

What can my baby say?

It’s thrilling for parents to watch their babies transform into social beings who can interact with others. Common vocal milestones in this age group include:

• making two-syllable sounds (i.e., ma-ma, da-da)
• making several different vowel sounds, especially "o" and "u”
• repeating tones or sounds made by others.

What does my baby understand?

A baby's awareness of people and surroundings increases during this time. Your baby may begin to:

• respond to own name and "no"
• pay attention to conversation
• appear to understand some words (i.e., "eat")
• prefer mother over others
• enjoy seeing self in mirror
• respond to changes in emotions of others
• have fear of strangers
• show interest in and dislike of foods
• make attention-getting sounds such as a cough or snort
• begin to understand object permanence and can uncover a toy after seeing it covered
• may follow one-step commands with a sign to demonstrate (i.e., "get the ball" while parent points to ball).

What can I do to help my baby’s development?

Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your baby:

• give your baby safe toys that make noises when shaken or hit
• play in front of a mirror, calling your baby by name and pointing to your baby's reflection in the mirror
• when talking to your baby, pause and wait for her to respond just as when talking with an adult
• play pat-a-cake and peek-a-boo
• name common objects when shown to your baby
• make a variety of sounds with your mouth and tone of voice
• repeat and expand the sounds your baby makes, such as "ma-ma" when he/she says "ma”
• show picture books and read stories to your baby every day
• give your baby toys with objects or knobs to push, poke or turn
• give your baby toys that stack or nest and show her how they work
• build a tower with your baby and show her how to knock it down
• establish a routine for bath and bedtime.

Growth milestones for 10- to 12-month-old

As your baby continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. While every baby is different, your baby may begin to:

• pull up to a standing position
• sit back down from standing position
• cruise or walk around holding onto furniture
• stand next to furniture without holding on
• walk holding on to your finger or hand
• take steps and walk on own
• play "ball" receiving and returning a rolled ball
• pick up food and small objects with fingers
• feed self finger foods
• drink from cup with spout
• turn pages in a book, often several at a time
• new teeth continue to erupt; may have four to six teeth by 1 year old
• take two naps a day and is able to sleep up to 12 hours at night without a feeding
• wake up at night looking for parents.

How much will my baby grow?

On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about 13 ounces each month, birthweight is tripled at 1 year
• grow a half inch of height each month
• increase head size by about a quarter inch each month.

What can my baby say?

Speech development is very exciting for parents as they watch their babies become social beings that can interact with others. Common vocal milestones in this age group include:

• saying da-da and ma-ma and knowing who these persons are
• imitating sounds and some speech
• saying two words other than ma-ma, da-da
• imitating animal sounds in response to questions (i.e., "What does the cow say?")

What does my baby understand?

Babies at this age become much more aware of others as well as themselves. They aren’t yet confident that mother will return when she leaves. Your baby may:

• recognize familiar objects and pictures in books, and may point to some objects when asked "Where is the...?"
• follow a one-step command with the parent having to show the child how to do it
• have preferences for people and toys, and may have a favorite toy or blanket
• be curious and want to explore
• move to music
• drop objects on purpose for others to pick up
• point and gesture for objects and actions
• pretend simple activities, such as cleaning or drinking from cup.

How does my baby interact with others?

Separation anxiety and fear of strangers are common at this age. Separation anxiety is anxiousness and fearfulness of being separated from a parent, whether or not the parent is actually leaving the presence of the child. However, this is an important part of the relationship with the parent. While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child:

• fear and anxiety of strangers; may cling and clutch parents
• waves bye-bye
• cries or shows emotions when told "no"

What can I do to help my baby’s development?

Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your baby:

• walk away for short periods while your baby plays in a safe area to help teach him that you will come back each time
• introduce your baby gradually to new people and things
• look at picture books with your baby and talk about the pictures
• give your baby finger foods and help him to use a spoon, but allow your baby to do it alone
• read stories to your baby every day
• when your baby asks for something by pointing, name the object as you give it to him
• hold and cuddle your baby often
• continue a bedtime routine of cuddling, rocking and soothing
• respond to your baby if he awakens and cries at night, but avoid turning on the light or picking up or holding him. Limit your interactions to soothing talk and patting, telling your baby it is time for sleep.

Growth milestones for 1-year-old

As your baby continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. While every baby is different, your baby may:

• walk alone by 15 months, then begin to run
• stop, squat, then stand again
• sit down on small stool or chair
• climb stairs while holding on
• dance to music
• play with push and pull toys
• build towers out of blocks
• throw a ball overhand
• put two- to three-piece puzzles together
• scribble with crayon or pencil and may imitate drawing a straight line or circle
• mostly feeds self with fingers
• begin to feed self with spoon
• drink well from cup
• help with dressing and may be able to undress simple clothes (i.e., clothes without buttons or zippers)
• have first molar (back) teeth appear
• take one afternoon nap
• sleep 10 to 12 hours at night.

How much will my baby grow?

After a baby's first birthday, the rate of growth begins to slow down. The baby is now a toddler and is very active. On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about 8 ounces each month, birthweight is tripled by end of first year
• grow a quarter to a half inch of height each month.

What can my baby say?

Speech development is very exciting for parents as they watch their babies become social beings that can interact with others. Common vocal milestones in this age group include:

• using negative phrases such as "No want"
• imitating animal sounds and noises
• at one year, saying four to six simple words
• at 18 months, saying 10 to 15 words
• by 18 months, saying two-word sentences (i.e., "Mommy up")
• by 2 years, saying 100 or more words
• asks "What is?"

What does my baby understand?

By about 18 months of age, children begin to understand symbols—the relationship of objects and their meanings. While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age group:

• waves bye-bye and plays pat-a-cake
• by 18 months understands one-step questions and commands such as "Where is the ball"?
• by 24 months understands two-step questions and commands such as "Go to your room and get your shoes."
• understands object permanence (a hidden object is still there)
• understands the cause-and-effect relationship better
• likes to explore drawers and boxes to see what is inside
• make-believe play increases (i.e., may imitate housework or feed a doll)
• recognizes own face in mirror
• can point to body parts (i.e., nose, hair, eyes) when asked
• begins to understand use of certain objects (i.e., the broom is for sweeping the floor)
• may ask for parent's help by pointing.

How does my baby interact with others?

As your child begins to walk, he may begin to show independence and will try to walk farther away from you, but will return. Separation anxiety and fear of strangers may lessen, then return at about 18 months. While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child:

• plays alongside others without interacting, called parallel play
• may begin clinging to parents around 18 months
• may begin to say "no" more frequently to commands or needs
• may have temper tantrums
• may use a blanket or stuffed animal as a security object in place of a parent.

What can I do to help my baby’s development?

Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your 1-year-old:

• give your child toys that can be filled and emptied
• give your child simple two- to six-piece puzzles
• help your child build towers of blocks
• encourage your child to "help" you with household tasks
• give your child paper and large crayons to scribble and draw
• talk to your child with clear, simple language about what you are doing
• use the correct names for objects, even if your child does not (for example, your child might say "wa-wa," and you say "water, that is right”)
• expand your child's sentences—if your child says, "want cookie," you say, "Do you want another cookie?"
• read to your child every day using picture and storybooks
• feed your child at family mealtimes.

Growth milestones for 2-year-old

As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. While every child is different, your child may:

• walk and runs well
• jump awkwardly
• begin to throw, kick, and catch balls
• stand momentarily on one foot
• climb on playground structures
• turn doorknobs and lids
• begin to ride a tricycle
• build towers of 10 blocks by 3 years old
• all 20 teeth appear by 3 years old
• appetite decreases greatly
• have developed right- or left-handedness by 3 years old
• turns pages in a book, one at a time
• have good thumb and finger control
• drink through a straw
• begins to have bladder and bowel control
• still take one afternoon nap
• sleep 10 to 12 hours at night.

How much will my child grow?

After a child's second birthday, the rate of growth continues to slow. Two-year-olds are very active and begin to lose the appearance of a baby. On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about four to six per year
• grow a quarter to a half inch of height each month.

What can my child say?

Speech development is very exciting for parents as they watch their children become social beings that can interact with others. Speech at this age is becoming clearer and your child begins to form sentences. Common vocal milestones in this age group include:

• saying about 200 to 300 words
• beginning to put three words together (subject, verb, object), for example "Me want ball"
• naming pictures
• naming some body parts

What does my child understand?

While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age group:

• understands possession, "Mine"
• can tell his/her own age and name
• knows if he is a boy or girl
• counts up to three objects
• may begin to problem-solve.

How does my child interact with others?

While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child at this age:

• is negative and says "no" frequently
• temper tantrums may continue
• helps to get him/herself dressed and undressed
• shows independence from parents
• continues to play along side others without interacting, called parallel play
• acts as if other children are objects or toys
• doesn’t understand sharing.

What can I do to help my child’s development?

Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your 2-year-old:

• let your child have a choice when possible: for example, say, "do you want a banana or an orange?”
• let your child help around the house, such as dusting, sweeping or sorting laundry
• read picture and story books with your child
• help your child learn to wash his hands
• let your child try to take off his own clothes and put on some simple clothes (i.e., clothes without buttons or zippers?
• let your child play with blocks, balls, crayons and/or clay
• supervise play so that your child does not put objects in his mouth, ears, etc.
• sing songs, play children's music and dance with your child
• look at family pictures with your child and tell a story
• make cutouts in a large cardboard box to pretend it’s a house or car
• use toys during bath time; have fun pouring water from one cup to another.
• let your child talk on a toy phone, or say a few words while you are talking on a real phone
• play "follow the leader" games
• teach body parts while dressing and bathing
• let your child put stickers on paper to make a design
• count things out loud to teach your child about numbers (i.e., count eggs in the carton, stairs as you go up, or fingers and toes)
• play with soap bubbles
• use toys that sort shapes such as a circle, square or triangle
• give your child a doll or teddy bear
• read your child a book of rhymes
• give your child a toy to ride.

Growth milestones for 3-year-old

As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. While every child is different, your child may:

• run and jumps easily
• walk up stairs unassisted
• ride a tricycle
• wash and dry hands
• stack 10 blocks
• easily draw straight lines and copy a circle
• stand on tip-toes
• use a spoon well and feed self
• dress and undress self except for buttons and laces
• be able to concentrate on tasks for eight or nine minutes
• have all 20 primary ("baby") teeth
• vision is nearing 20/20
• bladder and bowel control are usually established; uses potty chair or toilet
• sleep 11 to 13 hours total, may still take a short afternoon nap.

How much will my child grow?

In 3-year-olds, growth is still slow compared to the first year. Most children have become slimmer and lost the rounded tummy of a toddler. On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about four to six per year
• grow about two to three inches per year.

What can my child say?

Speech development is very exciting for parents as they watch their children begin to speak clearly and interact with others. Common vocal milestones in this age group include:

• says about 500 to 900 words
• speech can be understood by others
• speaks in two- or three-word sentences and progresses to four- to five-word sentences
• can remember simple rhymes or lyrics
• uses "please" and "thank you "
• refers to self by using own name
• names colors.

What does my child understand?

While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones your child may reach in this age group:

• understands size differences (i.e., big and little)
• understands past tense (yesterday)
• understands long sentences
• understands prepositions (on, under, behind)
• uses pronouns correctly (I, you, he, me, etc.)
• asks "why" constantly
• counts up to four objects by 4 years old
• says full name and age
• may have fears of certain things (i.e., dark, monster under bed, going down the drain)
• attempts to solve problems
• remembers certain events
• can point to the correct picture when asked a simple question about it.

How does my child interact with others?

While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child:

• begins to share and likes to play with other children
• can take turns
• temper tantrums are less frequent
• begins to show feelings in socially acceptable ways.

What can I do to help my child’s development?

Consider the following as ways to foster the emotional security of your 3-year-old:

• spend time allowing your child to talk with you
• teach your child how things work
• encourage play with other children
• encourage your child to tell you stories
• listen to your child and show that you are pleased by your child's talking
• let your child do as much as possible for herself when getting dressed, brushing teeth and combing hair
• have your child help with simple chores such as picking up toys
• give your child old clothes for "dress up" and allow her to pretend being a mom, dad, doctor, cowboy, etc. Even old sheets or towels can become skirts, capes, or turbans. You can also pretend you are an elephant, butterfly, robot, or other characters and play with your child.
• sing songs or nursery rhymes and teach your child the words
• read stories with your child and ask your child to name pictures in the stories or retell part of the story
• help your child play with crayon and paper or chalk and chalkboard by showing how to draw circles and lines and then put them together to make a stick figure. Make figure faces that are happy, sad or surprised, and talk about the different feeling shown in each picture.
• let your child build things out of blocks or boxes
• give your child a safe space to ride a tricycle
• listen to children's music and dance with your child
• practice counting with your child
• give your child the chance to play games with other children (church groups, YWCA/YMCA recreation centers or libraries often have preschool programs)
• put puzzles together with your child
• let your child have pretend-playtime with dolls, cars or toy cooking utensils
• play "hide and seek" and "follow the leader”
• let your child use her imagination by playing with play dough or clay
• trace your child's hand or whole body and make a picture
• show your child you are proud of any artwork and hang it up for display
• teach your child colors
• play ball with your child. Play different games with the ball such as tossing a ball into a box or rolling the ball up and down an incline.

Growth milestones for 4- to 5-year-old

As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that your child develops. While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age

4-year-olds

• sings a song
• skips and hops on one foot
• catches and throws a ball overhand
• walks downstairs alone
• draws a person with three separate body parts
• builds a block tower with 10 blocks
• understands the difference between fantasy and reality.

5-year-olds

• jumps rope
• talks backwards
• balances on one foot with eyes closed
• uses scissors
• begins learning to tie shoes
• copies shapes while drawing
• dresses self
• knows address and phone number
• recognizes and recites the alphabet
• permanent teeth may begin coming in.

How much will my child grow?

On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about 4.4 to 6.5 pounds per year
• grow about three inches per year
• increase head size about 1 inch per year

What can my child say?

Speech development in children is very exciting for parents as they watch their children become social beings that can interact with others.

Common vocal milestones for 4-year-olds:

• can say approximately 1,500 different words
• may put together four to five words into a sentence
• will ask questions constantly
• may know one color or more
• likes to tell stories
• may use some "bad" words (if he has heard them spoken

Common vocal milestones for 5-year-olds:

• can say approximately 2,000 words
• may put together six to eight words into a sentence
• may know four or more colors
• knows the days of the week and months
• can name coins and money
• can understand commands with multiple instructions
• talks frequently.

What does my child understand?

As your child's vocabulary increases, so does his understanding and awareness of the world around him. Your child at this age begins to understand concepts and can compare abstract ideas. While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age group:

4-year-olds

• begins to understand time
• begins to become less aware of only one's self and more aware of people around him
• may obey parent's rules, but does not understand right from wrong
• believes that his own thoughts can make things happen.

5-year-olds

• increased understanding of time
• curious about real facts about the world
• may compare rules of parents with that of friends.

How does my child interact with others?

A very important part of growing up is the ability to interact and socialize with others. This can be a frustrating transition for the parent as children go through different stages, some of which aren’t always easy to handle. While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child:

4-year-olds

• very independent, wants to do things on his own
• selfish, does not like to share
• moody; mood swings are common
• may be aggressive during mood swings and become aggressive to family members
• has a number of fears
• may have imaginary playmates
• likes to explore the body and may play doctor and nurse
• might "run away" or threaten to do so
• fights with siblings
• will often play with others in groups.

5-year-olds

• generally more cooperative than 4-year-olds
• generally more responsible than 4-year-olds
• eager to please others and make them happy
• has good manners
• dresses self completely without help
• gets along well with parents
• likes to cook and play sports
• as your child enters school, he may become more attached to you.

How can I help my child’s social development?

• offer compliments for good behavior and achievements
• encourage your child to talk to you and be open with his feelings
• read to your child, sing songs, and talk with him
• spend quality time with your child and show him new experiences
• encourage your child to ask questions and explore
• encourage physical activity with supervision
• arrange times for your child to be with other children, such as in play groups
• give your child the chance to make choices, when appropriate
• use time-out for behavior that is not acceptable
• encourage your child to express his/her anger in an appropriate manner
• limit television watching to one hour a day
• use free time for more productive activities.

Growth milestones for 6- to 12-year-old

As your child continues to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that your child develops. While children may progress at different rates and have diverse interests, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age

6- to 7-year-olds

• enjoys many activities and stays busy
• likes to paint and draw
• may lose first tooth
• vision is as sharp as an adult's vision
• practices skills in order to become better
• jumps rope
• rides a bike.

8- to 9-year-olds

• more graceful with movements and abilities
• jumps, skips and chases
• dresses and grooms self completely
• can use tools (i.e., hammer, screwdriver).

10- to 12-year-olds

• remainder of adult teeth will develop
• likes to sew and paint.

How much will my child grow?

On average, girls and boys in this age group:

• gain about five to seven pounds per year
• grow about 2.5 inches per year

What does my child understand?

As children enter into school-age, their abilities and understanding of concepts and the world around them continue to grow. While children may progress at different rates, the following are some of the common milestones children may reach in this age

6- to 7-year-olds

• understand concept of numbers
• know daytime and nighttime
• know right and left hands
• can copy complex shapes, such as a diamond
• can tell time
• can understand commands with three separate instructions
• can explain objects and their use
• can repeat three numbers backwards
• can read age-appropriate books and/or materials.

8- to 9-year-olds

• can count backwards
• know the date
• read more and enjoy reading
• understand fractions
• understand concept of space
• draw and paint
• can name months and days of week, in order
• enjoy collecting

10- to 12-year-olds

• write stories
• like to write letters
• read well
• enjoy using the telephone.

How does my child interact with others?

A very important part of growing up is the ability to interact and socialize with others. During the school-age years, parents will see a transition in their child as she moves from playing alone to having multiple friends and social groups. While friendships become more important, your child is still fond of her parents and likes being part of a family. While every child is unique and will develop different personalities, the following are some of the common behavioral traits that may be present in your child:

6- to 7-year-olds

• cooperate and share
• will cheat, if able
• jealous of others and siblings
• like to copy adults
• like to play alone, but friends are becoming important
• play with friends of the same gender
• may have temper tantrums
• modest about body
• like to play board games.

8- to 9-year-olds

• like competition and games
• start to mix friends and play with children of the opposite gender
• modest about body
• enjoy clubs and groups, such as Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.

10- to 12-year-olds

• friends are very important; may have a best friend
• like and respects parents
• enjoy talking to others.

How can I help my child’s social development?

Consider the following as ways to foster your child's social abilities:

• offer compliments for your child being cooperative and for any personal achievements
• help your child choose activities that are appropriate for your child's abilities
• encourage your child to talk with you and be open with his/her feelings
• encourage your child to read
• encourage your child to get involved with hobbies and other activities
• encourage physical activity
• encourage self-discipline; expect your child to follow rules that are set
• teach your child to respect and listen to authority figures
• encourage your child to talk about peer pressure and help set guidelines to deal with peer pressure.

Growth Milestones for Teens

The teen years, also called adolescence, bring enormous changes to your child, not only physically, but mentally and socially. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. And while your teen may start to look like an adult, the teenage brain is truly unique in its learning abilities.

What kind of physical changes will my teen go through?

During adolescence, parents will see the greatest amount of growth in height and weight in their child. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with puberty (sexual maturation) may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at the same

On average, girls

• gain around 68 to 110 lbs between their 13th and 18th birthday
• grow around 8.5 to 9.5 inches between their 13th and 18th birthday

On average, boys

• gain around 76 to 118 lbs between their 13th and 18th birthday
• grow around 10.5 to 20 inches between their 13th and 18th birthday

Puberty

Puberty is the time when your teen’s body begins to develop and change from that of a kid to an adult. During puberty, your teen’s body grows faster than at any other time, except for infancy. As your child nears puberty, a gland in the brain, called the pituitary gland, increases the secretion of a special hormone. This hormone then causes a cascade of different effects. In girls, it activates the ovaries to start producing estrogen. In boys, it causes sperm to develop.

• For females, puberty often begins between 8 and 13 years old
• For males, puberty often begins between 10 and 15 years

In boys, the initial puberty change is the enlargement of the scrotum and testes. At this point, the penis does not enlarge. Then, as the testes and scrotum continue to enlarge, the penis gets longer. Next, the penis will continue to grow in both size and length.

In girls, the initial puberty change is the development of breast buds, in which the breast and nipple elevate. The areola (dark area of skin that surrounds the nipple of the breast) increases in size at this time. The breasts then continue to enlarge. Eventually, the nipples and the areolas will elevate again, forming another projection on the breasts. At the adult state, only the nipple remains erect.

Pubic-hair development is similar for both girls and boys. The initial growth of hair produces long, soft hair that is only in a small area around the genitals. This hair then becomes darker and coarser as it continues to spread. Pubic hair eventually looks like adult hair, but in a smaller area. It may spread to the thighs and, sometimes, up the stomach.

What does my teen understand?

The teenage brain is unique. Recent research has shown that teenagers' brains are only about 80 percent developed and that brain development isn't complete until people reach their 20s or even 30s—more than a decade later than experts had thought.

• Because an adolescent brain is still developing, it retains much of its plasticity, which allows it to be molded by the environment.
• Teenagers’ brains are like sponges, with increased abilities to learn, make memories and retain information.
• Girls' and boys' brains develop at different rates; girls peak at age 12 to 14, about two years before boys. Naturally, this influences how ready teens are to learn and be challenged to their greatest extent.

During adolescence, your teen may:

• develop the ability to think abstractly
• be concerned with philosophy, politics and social issues
• think long-term
• set goals
• compare one's self to one's peers
• want independence from parents
• put importance on peer influence and acceptance
• fall in love
• have long-term commitments in

The last part of the brain to fully connect up—well past the teenage years—is the frontal lobe, which houses judgment, insight, dampening of emotions and impulse control. Since it isn't fully developed, many teens make risky decisions without weighing the consequences and have a hard time determining whether they are doing the right thing.

How can I help my teen’s social development?

• encourage your adolescent to take on new challenges
• talk with your adolescent about not losing sight of one's self in group relations
• encourage your adolescent to talk to a trusted adult about problems or concerns, even if it is not you he chooses to talk with
• discuss ways to manage and handle stress.