Introduction
Mumma, Dada, did you know that by the end of my seventeenth 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 can climb stairs holding your hand on one side and the handrail on the other. While walking, I can make a sudden change of direction with more ease. Once you demonstrate, I can briefly walk on the balls or heels of my feet. I have an increased interest in climbing on progressively taller sofas, chairs, and other furniture.
Fine Motor Skills: I can nest several receptacles, one inside the other. I developed the ability to independently stack rings on a ring stacking toy. When drawing or painting on a pad or a large surface, I use my entire arm.
Cognitive Development: I associate familiar people with their respective names. I can identify major parts of the body in others or in an image of a body. I show evidence of more structured play and use some toys with a clear purpose.
Speech Development: My repertoire of words continues to increase, adding words like "thank you" and "come." I add the use of the word "yes" to my vocabulary. I use the word "mama" deliberately and proactively to get your attention.
Self-care: I can use a fork with certain types of food in a rudimentary fashion. I can drink from a cup with no lid on my own. I can help with simple chores, like putting dirty clothes in the hamper. I increasingly help undress myself, pulling out my arms as you hold my shirt sleeves or lifting each foot as you pull off my pants.
Social-Emotional Development: I begin to understand basic courtesies such as saying "thank you." I experience a duality between independence and dependence, wanting to do things alone but lacking the ability to do so. I enjoy being able to help you by doing simple tasks.
Types of my developmental milestones
Other Development Highlights: I can sound out some of the most common consonants, like p, b, t, d, k, and g. I enjoy solitary play focused on my exploration of the toys in my immediate vicinity.
Additional Physical Development: I can climb 4-5 stairs one step at a time while holding your finger for support and a little power. I can climb down the stairs one step at a time while holding your hand for support. My finger dexterity has increased, and I can fit a straw into a cup hole. I can make block towers of around 4–6 stories independently. I try to climb taller items like chairs, sofas, and tables with good success. I can walk backward with good balance.
Additional Cognitive Development: My interest in colors is growing, and my scribbling time has increased. I can play hide and seek and find you in new places with just a hint of sound. I can differentiate and point to the right objects when shown 2-3 flashcards at the same time. I can find a hidden sound source, like a phone playing a song, at unknown places in the house by tracking the direction of the sound. I start to gain an understanding of spatial words like up, down, here, and there. I began to understand that substances like dough can be used to make different shapes of objects and animals.
Additional Communication Development: I can speak the names of familiar objects when asked, "What is this?" I can make animal sounds like Meow Meow, Bow Wow, Moo Moo, etc. I can point out major parts of the body when asked and speak the names of a few parts when prompted. I can identify 3–4 fruits and 3–4 vegetables and point to them when prompted.
Additional Social and Emotional Development: With some encouragement, I can point and make choices on certain items like food and clothes. I start to express preferences with actions and related words; I like to lead things according to my interests. I show enthusiasm for brushing my teeth and do it regularly with some help. I start to cope with disappointment when it is explained why I can’t have an object and accept alternate offerings. I like to take part in daily chores and follow instructions for the steps involved.
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!