Learn more about child development, from 1-12 years
Child development is a fascinating journey filled with learning, curiosity and great emotions. Here we go through each age phase and how you as a parent or nanny can best support your child's development.
1-2 years: Safety through routines and repetition
At this age, children learn through repetition and predictability. Doing things in the same way every day provides security and helps the child to understand the world around them. As a nanny or parent, it is therefore good to create fixed routines, such as always starting babysitting services with a particular game or song.
The child also starts to explore the world more physically - walking, pointing and mimicking are a big part of development. Language is growing and although the child cannot yet formulate sentences, they understand more than they can express.
Summary:
✔ Repetition and routines create confidence
✔ Predictability makes the child calmer
✔ Language development takes off
2-3 years: Exploratory and individual personality
Now the child is a little explorer with a strong will! The child's personality becomes more visible and it may be wise to adapt the childcare to the child's temperament. Shy and cautious children need encouragement, while active and impulsive children benefit from a clear framework.
This is also an age where children can become frustrated when they cannot express themselves or when they encounter obstacles. Patience and understanding are key!
Summary:
✔ The child's personality becomes clearer
✔ Balance between encouragement and clear frameworks
✔ Patience is needed when frustrated
3-4 years: Time perception and emotion regulation
Children of this age begins to understand timeHowever, they still find it difficult to grasp precise time measures such as minutes and hours. Instead, it is helpful to use concepts such as "after the snack" or "before we go out".
The child will also begin to understand their feelings better, but may become frustrated when faced with adversity. Rapid mood swings are common, and as an adult it is important to be patient and help the child put their feelings into words.
Summary:
✔ Use time concepts like "before" and "after"
✔ Support in managing emotions
✔ Patience during mood swings
4-5 years: Independence and imagination games
The child becomes more independently and can play for longer periods without adult intervention. At the same time, they appreciate when an adult is around for support. Fantasy play is a big part of everyday life - superheroes, princesses and characters from films and fairy tales become part of play.
Children of this age still have difficulty distinguishing between fantasy and realitywhich is perfectly normal. As an adult, you can validate your child's fantasy world while helping them understand what is real and what is just play.
Summary:
✔ Increased independence in play
✔ Strong interest in fantasy and role play
✔ Important to be close but let the child take control
5-6 years: Empathy and moral development
Now the child starts to show empathy and understanding that others have feelings and needs. It is an important part of developing moral and social understanding.
The child also begins to understand rules and justiceThis can lead to protests when something is perceived as 'unfair'. At the same time, the child is becoming ready to take on more school-like tasks, like practising numbers and letters through play.
Summary:
✔ The child develops empathy
✔ Increased understanding of rules and fairness
✔ Starting to get ready for simple school-like activities
6-7 years: Curiosity and questions about the world
The child is now in a exploratory age and asks lots of questions about life. "How far is it to the moon?" and "What happens when you die?" are common questions.
It is also an age where the child begin to see the world from the perspective of others and understand that not everyone thinks the same way. As an adult, you can help your child explore these ideas and encourage critical thinking.
Summary:
✔ The child asks many questions about life
✔ Starting to understand that different people have different opinions
✔ Important to listen and acknowledge the child's thoughts
8-9 years: Balance between independence and closeness
Now the child is slowly becoming calmer, and the need for own time is increasing. It is common for children of this age to get lost in their own thoughts and interests.
At the same time, moods can change quickly - one moment the child wants to be close and the next moment they want to fend for themselves. The child also becomes more aware of risks and hazards, which can create anxiety. As an adult, it is important to be listening and supporting the child when needed.
Summary:
✔ Increased need for autonomy
✔ Rapid mood swings are common
✔ The child becomes more aware of risks
10-12 years: finding your place in the world
Now the child starts practise being an adult, while still being a child emotionally. Toys are often exchanged for interests such as sport, music or computers.
The child also starts value their friends more and want to socialise on their own terms. It is important to respect the child's need to be alone, but at the same time be there when needed.
Summary:
✔ Starting to identify more with friends
✔ Interests take precedence over play
✔ Important to respect the child's autonomy
