Hi everyone,
I am a first-time mom and I am a little worried about my toddler's development. My child is 18 months old and I want to make sure that he is developing normally. I have read up on some milestones but I am not quite sure if my child is on track. He babbles a lot but doesn't say many recognisable words yet. He can stand and walk but still needs help with balance. He enjoys playing with toys but doesn't seem to be interested in other children. Should I be concerned? Is there anything I can do to help him develop further? I would appreciate any advice or suggestions. Thank you.
Hello there,
I can definitely understand your worries. It's always a good idea to keep track of your toddler's development and milestones, but it's important to remember that every child develops differently.
From my experience, my daughter also took her time when it came to speaking. While some children may have a larger vocabulary at 18 months, it's common for others to have a smaller one. What helped my daughter was speaking to her constantly and asking her questions. This helped her slowly grow her vocabulary over time.
As for balance, toddlers are still learning how to stand and walk properly. Falling down and needing assistance is completely normal at 18 months. Encourage your child to walk around the house, and try to avoid overprotecting them or criticising them. Let them take small, gradual steps, and don't be worried when they stumble from time to time.
Lastly, with regards to social interaction, try not to worry too much about it. At 18 months, some toddlers prefer to play alone, while others prefer to play with others. If your child seems to be comfortable playing alone, that's perfectly okay. You can encourage social interaction by taking them to places where they can see other kids, such as the playground or playgroups. But again, it's okay if they're not too interested in interacting with others yet.
All in all, just keep an eye on your child's development, but try not to worry too much. Every child develops differently, and it's important to support and encourage them along the way. If you ever have any concerns, just remember that there are plenty of resources out there, including your child's pediatrician.
I hope this helps!