Be sure to watch your kid for these important developmental markers.

By Annie Friedman

As a parent, it’s crucial to pay attention to how your child is growing and developing. A child’s growth is more than just physical -- they grow, develop and learn new things throughout their lives, beginning at birth. Pay attention to how they play, learn, speak, behave and interact. If developmental problems are addressed and identified before school, your child has a better chance to receive help and be ready for learning!

Here are some important developmental events that happen during your child’s life to pay attention to, according to the Center for Disease Control:

3 months
-Begins to smile
-Raises head and chest when lying on stomach
-Watches your face closely -Smiles at the sound of your voice

7 months
-Likes to play with others
-Transfers objects from each hand
-Their ability to track moving objects improves
-Responds to their own name
-Ability to find partially hidden objects improves

1 year
-Enjoys imitating people in their play
-Reaches sitting position without assistance
-Bangs two objects together
-Responds to simple verbal requests

 2 years
-Walks alone
-Points to object or picture when it’s named for them
-Beings make-believe play
-Demonstrates increasing independence

 3 years
-Climbs well
-Turns book pages one at a time
-Uses 4 - to 5- word sentences
-Sorts objects by shape and color

 4 years
-Goes upstairs and downstairs without support
-Draws circles and squares
-Tells stories
-Cooperates with other children

 5 years
-Swings, climbs, hops, somersaults
-Says name and address
-Can count 10 or more objects
-Likes to sing, dance and act

 If you are concerned about how your child plays, acts, speaks, or learns, consult your child’s doctor immediately. You may also visit a developmental pediatrician, child neurologist or child psychologist. These are experts who know how to work with and identify children who have special needs.

When you call your child’s doctor’s office, tell them about the concerns you have regarding your child. Be as specific as possible in case your doctor needs to consult with outside resources before your visit or refer you to someone else.

Whether or not your child has developmental disabilities, make the most of playtime and interact with your child as much as possible. Talk to your child, read with them, do arts and crafts, chores, play outside, tell them stories, and explain how and why things happen. These things will allow your child to interact, be creative and understand what is going on around them.