Stages of Growth Child Development

Prenatal Development

Developmental psychologists consider the process of human development as it relates

to physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development. This lifespan development is
organized into different stages based on age. Prenatal development is the process that
occurs during the 40 weeks prior to the birth of a child, and is heavily influenced by
genetics.

there are three broad stages of development: early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. The
definitions of these stages are organized around the primary tasks of development in each stage, though
the boundaries of these stages are malleable. Society's ideas about childhood shift over time, and
research has led to new understandings of the development that takes place in each stage.

Early childhood is a time of tremendous growth (not fastest) across all areas of development. The
dependent newborn grows into a young person who can take care of his or her own body and interact
effectively with others. For these reasons, the primary developmental task of this stage is skill
development.

Physically, between birth and age three a child typically doubles in height and quadruples in weight.
Bodily proportions also shift, so that the infant, whose head accounts for almost one-fourth of total body
length, becomes a toddler with a more balanced, adult-like appearance. Despite these rapid physical
changes, the typical three-year-old has mastered many skills, including sitting, walking, toilet training,
using a spoon, scribbling, and sufficient hand-eye coordination to catch and throw a ball.

Between three and five years of age, children continue to grow rapidly and begin to develop fine-motor
skills. By age five most children demonstrate fairly good control of pencils, crayons, and scissors. Gross
motor accomplishments may include the ability to skip and balance on one foot. Physical growth slows
down between five and eight years of age, while body proportions .or skills become more refined.

The primary developmental task of adolescence is identity formation. The adolescent years are another
period of accelerated growth. Individuals can grow up to four inches and gain eight to ten pounds per
year. This growth spurt is most often characterized by two years of fast growth, followed by three or more
years of slow, steady growth.

Child development

6-9 years old Having independence from family becomes more important now.
Events such as starting school bring children this age into regular contact with
the larger world. Friendships become more and more important
At this age,12 to 15 teens make more of their own choices about friends, sports,
studying, and school. They become more independent, with their own personality
and interests, although parents are still very important.

9 to 12 years The child’s growing independence from the family and interest in
friends might be obvious by now. Healthy friendships are very important to your
child’s development, but peer pressure can become strong during this time.
Children who feel good about themselves are more able to resist negative peer
pressure and make better choices for themselves. This is an important time for
children to gain a sense of responsibility along with their growing independence.