Desarrollo del bebé de 12 a 18 meses.
Developmental Milestones: What to Expect from 12 to 18 Months
The Importance of Patience
- As children transition from walking to running and jumping, they will exhibit a strong desire to explore their environment. This phase requires patience from caregivers as children engage in various activities.
- During this stage, language development accelerates; children will begin expressing themselves more verbally, leading to moments of both chaos and joy.
Physical Development and Exploration
- At around 14 months, children become adept at bending down to pick up objects while standing. They enjoy exploring spaces by fitting into drawers or boxes.
- By 16 months, children start pushing and dragging large objects, which helps them understand spatial relationships and develop physical coordination.
Imitation and Learning Through Play
- Children imitate adult behaviors such as household chores (e.g., sweeping or setting the table), which aids in their learning process.
- They also experiment with throwing objects on the ground to understand cause-and-effect relationships, necessitating patience from caregivers during cleanup.
Fine Motor Skills Development
- By one year old, children begin using tools effectively; they can reach for items by calculating distances using sequential vision.
- Introducing learning cutlery can be messy but is essential for developing independence during mealtime.
Oral Hygiene Practices
- Caregivers should start brushing children's teeth with soft-bristled brushes as soon as they have teeth. Recommendations include using fluoride toothpaste with specific concentrations for young children.
Encouraging Independent Play
- It’s beneficial to place toys within reach so that children can play independently without constant supervision. This fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.
Creative Expression Through Art
- Providing age-appropriate art supplies encourages imaginative play; allowing free expression through drawing helps develop fine motor skills.
Understanding Sound and Language Development
- Children are capable of recognizing sound sources accurately, indicating advanced auditory processing skills alongside visual coordination.
Vocabulary Expansion Through Interaction
- Engaging in storytelling with puppets enhances vocabulary acquisition; children learn new words through imitation while developing logic and memory skills.
Independence in Daily Activities
- As vocabulary expands, toddlers begin following simple instructions and identifying body parts. They express a desire for autonomy in daily tasks.
Encouraging Emotional Growth in Children
Allowing Mistakes and Managing Emotions
- It is essential to allow children to finish tasks independently, even if it leads to mistakes, as long as their safety is ensured. This process helps them learn how to cope with frustration and anger when they do not get what they want.
- Responding calmly and softly during moments of frustration is crucial. Parents should control their own emotional reactions while teaching children polite expressions like "please" and "thank you," emphasizing that children learn by imitating adult behavior.
The Importance of Self-Affirmation
- The emergence of the word "no" signifies an important developmental stage where children assert themselves. It's vital for caregivers to remain vigilant, as distractions can lead a child into dangerous situations without awareness.
- Caregivers should avoid seating children for extended periods, especially if their feet do not touch the ground, promoting physical comfort and engagement in their environment.