How Do You Know Which Areas Your Child Is Falling Behind in or Accelerating In?

[becka]

I spent a lot of my afternoon just playing with and watching DS play (who really cares about that laundry anyway ). I don't really have any major concerns about his development. He seems like he is capable of what I would consider to be on target for his age (22 months) and in other areas he shocks me with what he can already do. However, I am obviously not an expert and I sometimes wonder if I am holding him back or not working on the appropriate skills with him.

Do you just "know" these things? I have the "What To Expect the Toddler Years" book and it details a few areas that a child should master by a certain age but it is very generic. For example, DS really seems to be showing an apptitude for puzzles. He really enjoys them and I honestly have been shocked at how good he is with them. I guess I just thought that kids were older before they were so proficient with them but I just don't know. Perhaps all kids his age can easily do the same puzzles (nothing too difficult but just matching up single pieces that are pictures of different animals - lion, horse, eagle, hampster, etc.).

I was also just researching on Amazon the My First LeapPad. I was thinking of getting it for DS for his second birthday and perhaps it was just "bragging" but so many of the comments about the product alluded to the fact that their 2 year old was already counting and saying the ABC's. Well we are not there yet. I thought that was probably fine but maybe I should focus more on number and letter recognition? We already try to work some in when we are watching Sesame Street or reading books, etc.

I certainly don't want to push him because I am a big believer in just providing appropriate toys and letting him take a lot of the lead with our guidance. I want him to learn by playing not from us shoving the information down his throat. I want him to enjoy learning (and thankfully so far he really seems to love it) but I also don't want to set my goals for him too low. Does any of this make sense? Any advice? Any suggested books or websites that might help me to see which areas DS might need a litle more work in? Am I just crazy to even think about this stuff?

Thanks!

 

[Serena]

LOL, crazy, yeah, also a new mom.

First of all, stop worrying so much. He learns every day. You might want to get some things that challenge him a little just to see what he'll do with it. Kids advance at different stages. And sometimes they advance in one area and get behind in another for a moment or two.

It's amazing watching them grow up isn't it.

 

[Jenn Lynn]

becka- You might be surprised to what your DS already knows, but just isn't saying. I have a story about DD.

Last summer, before she turned 2, she was sitting on the potty (we were working on potty training.) Out of the blue, she just counted to 10. Didn't skip a number.

Then, this last November, we were playing with her blocks. She took one and said "Mama, that's a 'T'." And she proceeded to tell me what a bunch of other letters were.

I guess my point is that they are little sponges (which you already know. ) And even if he is not vocalizing what he knows yet, I bet he knows a whole lot. Just make games out of letters, numbers, colors, etc. like you have been doing. If he's bored with it move on to something else.

 

[SeaSpray]

Becka:

It sounds like you're doing all the right things for your DS at this stage; providing age-appropriate toys, exposing him to Sesame Street (which is definitely educational, as least to some degree), and just being a concerned mom, in general

Neither of my DSs (now ages almost 16 and almost 13) were toddler-genuises, but now DSalmost13 is on high-honors, and DSalmost16 is an honor student. Both take advanced academic courses.

So my point is, as long as he is basically on target, he will be just fine. And incidentally, I agree with you about not wanting to shove a lot of education down his throat at his age. Educational toys are great.... but as far as preschool went, I purposely sent DSs to a private school who did offer some academic material, but also good old fashioned "play", which is educational in and of itself at those ages.

 

[worm761]

i love this website. and it has just what you are looking for.

http://familyfun.go.com/raisingkids/child/dev/tool/stages_tlp/

 

[kpgclark]

I woudn't worry about it new mom! Just keep stimulating him and he'll be fine. It's hard not to want to push children but believe me he'll be fine. When my son was little I used to think it was funny because around here people plan practically before the child is born what route they need to take to get him/her into Harvard! I'm serious about that. What is the best preschool that will get you into the best elementary school that will get you into the best High School that will give you the best opportunity for Harvard (or insert any ivy league). I thought it was so absurd that I had my son (at 2) memorize the answer to "What is the derivative of X^3" He'd answer 3X. I would have fun in certain situations having him answer that question believe me. Anyhow the most important thing to do is to be sure your son enjoys learning and reading. Always keep it fun. He'll learn what he needs to learn (book wise) in school.

 

[ValerieK]

Just let him play, provide a stimulating environment, talk and play with him and read to him. I have never done anything special with my children and they are doing well. My DS (10) has been recommended to Honors classes next year. My DD is only 3 and is ahead of her friends in some areas and behind in others. Your son will be fine as long as you love him!