HOW TO CARE FOR

CHILDREN
By: Hailee and Amber

YOUNG INFANTS
Imagine an infant in the earlier part of an
infancy, no older than 6 months of age you
probably notice the infant has little hair,
wears a diaper, and cries for food or
comfort. If you observe the infant carefully,
however, you will notice much more infants
younger than 6 month of age can do many
things. Newborn infants look at faces and
can recognize primary caregivers voices. A
few months after birth, there neck muscles
strengthen, allowing them to hold up there
head. Soon they learn to kick there legs
and roll over from their stomach to their
back. Young infants communicate by
cooing, laughing, and crying.

AGES 0-6
MONTHS

OLDER INFANTS AGES 6-12

MONTHS
The period between 6 and 12 months of
age is an exciting time because infants
make many changes. Older infants can eat
solid foods and drink from a cup. They learn
to sit alone, crawl, and stand. Some may
even begin to walk. At the stage, infants
interact more with their caregivers. They
raise heir arms to be picked up and can
recognize close family members. Infants
this age spend much of their time looking
and reaching for objects. They like music,
picture books, and simple games, such as
peek-a-boo. Their language has developed
from cooing to babbling, and they usually
speak their first word by their first birthday.

YOUNG TODDLERS AGES 12-24

MONTHS
After infancy, children become toddlers. Young
toddlers, those between 12 and 24 months of
age, master quite of a few skills before their
2nd birthday. Not only are they eating table
foods, but they also can hold their own spoon
to eat and may use a straw to drink. They can
walk, climb steps without help and run, all
though they may do so clumsily. Increase
coordination in their arms and hands allows
them to roll a ball, turn pages of a book, and
scribble with crayons or markers. Young
Toddlers are very curious people. They enjoy
exploring their surroundings, which means
they have to be monitored constantly. They
want independence and will try hard to do
many tasks for themselves.

OLDER TODDLERS AGES 24-36

MONTHS
Children round out their toddler years with
physical energy they run, jump, walk on
tiptoes, climb, pedal tricycle, and throw and
catch balls. At times, they seem as if theyll
never stop moving! Between 24 and 36
months, many children become toilet trained.
They can also wash their own hands and dress
themselves. Although many older toddlers
have trouble sharing, they are interested in
other children and may play with them. Older
toddlers will often engage in parallel play, in
which they play alongside other children but
not play with them. Their increased vocabulary
helps them interact with parents and
caregivers. Older toddlers can ask questions
and use longer sentences to express their
thoughts and feelings.

PRESCHOOLERS AGES 3-5

YEARS OLD
By preschool age-three to five yearschildrens large motor skills are well
developed. Their fine motor skills are
becoming more defined, allowing
preschoolers to cut paper with scissors, draw
shapes, print their own name, and shape
clay into recognizable forms. During the
preschool years, children develop the skills
they need for school. They learn the
alphabet and learn to count. Their
vocabulary continues to grow, and they learn
that printed symbols have meaning. Their
increased vocabulary helps preschoolers
express their feelings. Preschoolers can
experience many emotions, such as
jealously, curiosity, fear, joy, and affection.

SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AGES

5 AND UP
When children reach 5 years of age, they enter
the school-age stage of life. During this time,
they begin spending more time away from
home-at school and in structured activities
outside of school, such as swim lessons and
art classes. These activities foster their
independence, help them develop their sense
of self, and teach them skills they use later in
life. School-age children can ride a bike and
participate in activities that require skilled
movements, such as team related sports.
Their fine motor skills gave become more
refined, which allows them to write and draw
more precisely. During the stage, children can
read and do arithmetic, reason, and problem
solve. Because they face increased academic
pressure, they can also experience stress.