Introduction
Mumma, Dada, did you know that by the end of my nineteenth 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 kick a ball with some precision. My improved coordination and balance allow me to dance with some control and fall less frequently when walking. I can jump in place with both feet at once. I can throw a ball progressively farther.
Fine Motor Skills: I can turn pages in books with thin pages, usually two or three pages at once. I can unwrap some small objects, combining various fine motor skills and the ability to tear paper. I can string beads with medium-sized holes onto a firm cable.
Cognitive Development: I associate objects with activities, like knowing that soap and a towel are used at bath time. I initiate brief episodes of symbolic play. After completing an objective, like finishing a basic puzzle, I will repeat it several times to reinforce my learning.
Speech Development: I begin to use frequently heard two- or three-word phrases. I start to use possessive pronouns, like "mine," while pointing to desired objects. I gradually start to include demonstrative adjectives and adverbs of position in my vocabulary, like "this," "that," "here," or "there." I say "yes" and "no" with more purpose.
Self-Care: I can pull up or pull off pants with elastic bands. I am capable of bringing a spoon to my mouth with greater precision.
Social-Emotional Development: I enjoy dancing to express happiness and gain social acceptance. I am aware of the presence of other children, but I still prefer to play alone. I experience a broader range of emotions, and tantrums and biting can result from these new sensations. My need for independence will cause me to increasingly try things on my own. I enjoy being taught how to help you with simple daily activities, like organizing and cleaning.
Types of my developmental milestones
Other Development Highlights: My first phrases include the minimum number of necessary words to make myself understood (telegraphic language). Over the next few months, my tantrums might increase, which may sometimes make mealtime, bathtime, and other self-care routines more difficult. I resist changes in my daily routine.
Additional Physical Development: I can combine different motor actions like pick and run, climb down to pick something and then climb up, hold an object and climb up or down, and walk while balancing a glass of water. I can jump from a step, but both legs may not yet come together. I often jump one leg after another. I can eat with a fork and spoon with more precision, though I still spill sometimes.
Additional Cognitive Development: I can mimic the actions of characters from 2-3 rhymes when you sing them. I can say 'Open' and 'Close' with some understanding. I can follow instructions that require me to find and bring objects, even if they are out of your sight. For example, "Can you bring me my phone charger?" or "Can you go get your shoes?" My love for finger painting grows, and I like to color drawing sheets, tables, and even body parts. I start to gain an understanding of shapes, although I may get confused sometimes.
Additional Communication Development: My vocabulary has grown beyond 50 words, and I can identify almost all the main objects in the house when prompted, like the table, chair, TV, fridge, sofa, window, and wall. I can pronounce phonic vowels with good clarity: Aa, Ee, I, Oo, and Uu. I can identify and name some natural things like the moon, sky, stars, trees, clouds, and sun. I can repeat most everyday words (5–10 letter words) when prompted.
Additional Social and Emotional Development: I can say my own name when prompted with "What's your name?" I understand the significance of making choices and can choose quickly when prompted with options.
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!