Introduction
Mumma, Dada, did you know that by the end of my eighteenth 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 walk in different directions, like sideways or backward, when necessary. I can climb up and down stairs, holding your hand on one side and the handrail on the other. I can walk fast and even attempt to run short distances. I walk with more precision, like following a serpentine line without veering off.
Fine Motor Skills: I can place and remove low-pressure lids from differently-shaped receptacles. I try to imitate vertical lines when drawing. I can build towers of three or four blocks without assistance. I alternate between different types of grasps depending on the size and shape of an object or their intended use.
Cognitive Development: I have a basic understanding of the spatial location of objects and myself, like above-below and inside-outside. My capacity to imitate allows me to replicate simple sounds and words (up to two syllables) that I hear. I recognize belongings and know where they should be put away. I have an improved understanding of cause and effect and can sometimes anticipate consequences, including those from my own actions. I have an increased attention span and can follow a short story line.
Speech Development: I have a repertoire of 10–20 words. My vocabulary includes adjectives, verbs, and nouns. I begin to combine words to make phrases like "more water." My babbling increases in complexity, blending various intonations and syllables.
Self-Care: I help wash my own hands.
Social-Emotional Development: I enjoy many of my favorite games in the company of familiar adults. I can play by myself for a few minutes without the presence of a parent. I am interested in actions that solicit a response and social interaction, like give-and-take games.
Types of my developmental milestones
Other Developments Highlights: I exhibit echolalia, repeating a word or a phrase several times. I participate more actively in tooth brushing but still need your help. I struggle to share toys with playmates.
Additional Physical Development: I try to throw a big ball from an overhead position. I can climb up and down stairs with the support of a railing or your fingers, and I don’t stop after a few steps anymore. I can play a run-and-catch game by running behind you in non-regular patterns. I can take multiple sips of water or juice from a glass independently. I can run longer distances, like 10–15 meters, with good balance.
Additional Cognitive Development: I can imitate animal actions when prompted, like "How does a monkey do?" "How does an eagle fly?" and "How does a lion roar?" I understand at least one of the actions between pull and push and can demonstrate it when prompted. I can say 'come' and 'go' with good understanding.
Additional Communication Development: I start to blow small bursts of air when asked to, with my lips curled a little. My receptive vocabulary is expanding fast, and I know about 50–70 words related to objects and actions. My speaking ability has improved drastically, and I can repeat new words with you when prompted, though with less clarity. I start to say the names of facial features like the nose, mouth, eyes, and head. I can speak multiple words with vowel sounds, though with less clarity, like banana, piggy, mango, door, yumyum, ice cream, shoe, and run.
Additional Social and Emotional Development: I demand independence and start to eat using a fork or a spoon, although I still spill a good amount of food. I have gotten used to a table-chair setup for activities, eating, and studying. I feed snacks to you or other family members with good accuracy when asked as a sign of caregiving. I can make independent choices when asked about what clothes to wear, food to eat, shoes to put on, etc. I can play alone for 5–10 minutes with toys and using my imagination.
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!