Parents.com, the online home of Parents Magazine, has a feature where they outline developmental stages by month. Every now and then I wonder "Is Jack on track." That's a logical question to ask....in fact, I'm sure every parent wonders that. Its not as though these little ones come with instruction manuals (and really, would I read one if they did, or thrive in figuring it out myself, right?)Anyway, I love reading the updates-- and thought it would be cool to start listing the behavior and mannerisms they consider "normal" for a 14 month old...which JAck will be in just a few weeks. Wow!
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:
"Somewhere around baby's first birthday, he may take his momentous first steps and begin walking. But before becoming a master walker, your baby will plant his legs wide apart, point his toes outward, and jerk from side to side as he moves--or toddles--forward. (Thus, the term "toddler.") In time, though, as baby achieves a better sense of balance, coordination, and physical control, he'll become more surefooted and gain a more efficient stride. Several months down the road, he may be able to carry a toy in his hand while shuttling across the room, push or pull a toy wagon, step sideways or backward, and even throw a ball while walking.
As your toddler attains a greater sense of mobility and independence, he'll develop a desire to explore his physical surroundings. Before you know it, the controls on your VCR, the cords from electrical appliances, and the car keys you left on the hall table will be well within reach of his curious hands. The sharp edges of coffee tables, fireplaces, and low countertops can also "get in the way" of a roving toddler. It's time to beef up your childproofing efforts, being ever watchful of your newly mobile little one. Create a safe environment that allows him plenty of freedom to explore.
If your child is not yet walking, there's no need to worry: Most babies learn to walk between 12 and 15 months, but some don't step out on their own until 16 months or later. Many factors determine the age at which a baby walks alone--heredity, desire, body weight, and bad experiences among them. (A child who has fallen while learning to walk may not try again for many weeks.) In short, when a baby's muscles and spirit are both willing, he'll take those first precious steps and be off and running before long."
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
"As his physical universe begins to expand, your toddler will relish his newfound independence--and at the same time be fearful of it. One minute he'll be wandering off to play with a new toy across the room; minutes later he'll come scrambling back to touch base with you and know that he's safe and protected. Your baby may even become extra clingy at this time, or experience separation anxiety whenever you leave him, however briefly. While it's normal for young children to have strong and conflicting emotions, it's important for parents to encourage their child's independence, acknowledge his ambivalence (who can blame baby for wanting to be a "big kid" and "tiny baby" at the same time?), and provide him with lots of extra hugs and reassurance."
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT:
"By the 13th month, most babies are saying their first real words, although the normal range for this milestone can extend from 10 to 18 months. Up until now, your child may have used "protowords," or invented words that have a consistent meaning--for instance, "mmmm" for something to eat, or "ba" for bottle. Now, though, your budding conversationalist may actually say words like Mama and Dada, utter the names of favorite animals, foods, or siblings, or make noises like "woof, woof." Early in the second year, most babies have an expressive vocabulary of a few words they can actually say and a larger receptive vocabulary of words that they understand. In the coming months, though, they will accumulate more and more words, as they interact with you and discover the wonderful world around them."
So that's what a typical 13-month-old is like!
The magazine is quick to point out that milestones happen in ranges. Jack seems to be right in that "normal range." He took his first steps at Christmas, right around the time he turned 13 months (I, on the other hand didn't walk until I was 16 months while Mike also walked at 13 months...dare we say "Like Father, Like Son?"). I've definitely noticed, especially after he went back to school after the holidays, that he does have a litte separation anxiety. This is totally typical-- and all in all, he doesn't do bad with this at all. At some times, its quite funny because if he's really tired, he becomes super dramatic. He'll literally go from laughing loudly with a big smile when I walk towards him to being in an all-out meltdown, complete with real crocodile tears, if I turn away from him and walk away. Usually, he's not that extreme, but there are moments. In terms of his vocabulary-- he is making all sorts of sounds (mmmmmm, ahhhh, ehhhh, bahhhhhhh), but the only real word he says is "MaMa." I'm looking forward to more words to come-- and am sure we'll be hearing them soon. He definitely recognizes words we say a lot. He knows who Daddy is, he knows Boomer/Boomey/Puppy. And yes, he does know the word "No," although sometimes he seems to choose to pretend he doesn't. I wonder what his next "real" word will be!
Sources: Michnick Golinkoff, Roberta, PhD, and Hirsh-Pasek, Kathy, PhD, How Babies Talk (Plume, 1999); Spock, Benjamin, MD, and Parker, Steven J., MD, Dr. Spock's Baby and Child Care (Pocket Books, 1998); American Academy of Pediatrics; Nemours Foundation
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