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“It’s just a stage” - a quick guide on birth to 6

 

“It’s just a stage” – a quick survival guide from birth to 6

The changes that will happen in your child from birth to age six are extraordinary. They will amaze you, delight you and often drive you up the wall.

There are stages for everything don’t expect just one stage at a time – nor will there be a definite or sudden end to some stages. No child skips a stage because they’re all a necessary part of development, so you will go through the whole lot.

You can definitely expect surprises – they might go through one stage quite quickly but seem to slow down or stop at others. Above all, be patient with your child – praise and positive behaviour, will always get better results in the long-run.

A child might even seem to go back a stage sometimes, temporarily. This is something called ‘regression’. Each age has its own particular challenges and joys. Have a look at the age-specific sections on development for further information.

How you can help your child’s development

  • Avoid arguments in front of the child.
  • Be patient and keep your cool.
  • Try to understand things from their point of view.
  • Reward good behaviour.
  • If your child goes back a stage, check the reason for it.

“It’s just a stage” is a cliché but it’s worth repeating to yourself as your child repeats a behaviour that drives you mad. It might help you to remember that all of us were like this at some stage.

 
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