The Developmental Stages of the Child

Children typically progress through several developmental stages, each marked by milestones in physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. The major stages are: 1. **Infancy (0-2 years)**: Rapid physical growth, sensory exploration, attachment formation. 2. **Early Childhood (2-6 years)**: Language development, imaginative play, basic motor skills. 3. **Middle Childhood (6-12 years)**: Logical thinking, teamwork, increased independence. 4. **Adolescence (12-18 years)**: Identity exploration, emotional maturity, abstract reasoning. Each stage builds on the previous one, and experiences can vary widely based on environmental and individual factors. Understanding these stages helps support healthy child development.