Introduction
Mumma, Dada, did you know that by the end of my twelfth month, I’m learning and doing so many new things? Here’s what I’ve been up to:
The Benefits of My Early Development
Gross Motor Skills: I’m starting to take my first steps without support. I can walk a few steps on my toes while cruising, using furniture for support. While standing, I can rotate my chest 90 degrees. I can go from standing up to a sitting position without difficulty. I can throw a ball, but not yet overhead.
Fine Motor Skills: I can build a tower of two blocks after watching a demonstration. I can firmly hold a crayon in my hand. My improved pincer grasp allows better manipulation of thin objects like rings or strings; I can place small objects in bottles.
Cognitive Development: I might be able to group some items by shape (e.g., circle, square, and triangle) and by primary colors. My imitation skills continue to improve; I can replicate behaviors such as rubbing my body with soap and feeding others. I look for a hidden object even when I don't see it get hidden; I’ll likely remember just the last place where it was seen. I understand simple orders, like "Give me the ball" or "Take this to Dada."
Speech Development: I can say my first word with intention and might also point or look at the person or object while saying its name. I can say about three words and understand many more. I attempt to imitate the lyrics or musical sounds of my favorite songs.
Self-Care: I start attempting to do more things alone, often realizing I still need your support.
Social-Emotional Development: I can play alone for longer periods; for example, after waking up, I might play for a few minutes before calling you. My growing mobility and understanding of language allow more interaction with the family, increasing my feeling of belonging. With limited words and improved body language, I can better communicate my desires and needs.
Types of my developmental milestones
Other Development Highlights Even if I can walk, I might prefer crawling as a more efficient way of getting around for a while. I can crawl with one hand raised or while carrying an object. I have more pronounced reactions to events I understand, which can include emotions, language, or movement; for example, when the doorbell rings, I might go to the door.
Additional Physical Development: I can pick up an object from the ground and then put it into a basket. I stretch my body and stand on my toes to fetch an object from the table. I can sit down from a standing position without support. I can stand up from a sitting position without holding any object for support. I start to walk without any support and can change directions while walking.
Additional Cognitive Development: I enjoy breaking down tower structures and show an inclination toward deconstruction. I started to understand that pictures can represent real objects from life. I can point to at least one body part when asked. I start to recognize 3-5 items by name and can point to them when asked. My sense of anticipation has built up, and I can react to an event before it happens. I can identify 1-2 body parts such as the head, mouth, eyes, ears, nose, etc. I like to participate in construction and deconstruction activities like block building and ring stacking. I show excitement for colors, although I may not use them much for drawing yet.
Additional Communication Development: I understand a few words and can speak 2-3 words, mostly for caregivers or parents or for water, food, etc. I start to call “Mama, Dada” while looking at you and can identify you in a picture too. I start to understand gestures for calling someone near. I start to identify frequently seen animals like a cat, dog, crow, etc. I start to call out the names of a few familiar objects, like a car, banana, mom-mum, etc., as a form of communication. I start to understand basic questions and answer by pointing, like “Where is the dolly?”
Additional Social and Emotional Development: I start doing things independently, although I like to stay near you, Mumma and Dada. My imitation skills have improved, and I can copy or repeat some actions like feeding others or rubbing my body with my hands. I respond to videos of myself by showing similar emotions to those seen in the video. I understand funny situations like putting a bowl on my head or smearing cake on my nose, and I enjoy these funny moments. I respond to other people’s emotions by smiling back or crying along with them.
Conclusion
Research shows that these early developmental milestones are crucial for my growth and learning. According to studies in Pediatrics and Infant Behavior & Development, engaging with me through talking, playing, and responding to my needs helps enhance my cognitive, motor, and social-emotional development.
Maa and Daddy, your love and interaction play a significant role in my development. Keep talking, playing, and cuddling with me, and watch how I grow and learn every day!