Children often experience a significant and obvious change in one domain at a time. For example, if a child is focusing on learning to walk, which is in the physical domain, you may not notice as much language development, or new words, until they have mastered walking. It might seem like a particular domain is the only one experiencing developmental change during different periods of a child’s life, but change typically occurs in the other domains as well—just more gradually and less prominently.
Physical Development
The physical domain covers the development of physical changes, which includes growing in size and strength, as well as the development of both gross motor skills and fine motor skills. The physical domain also includes the development of the senses and using them. When young, children are learning how to perform different activities with their fingers in coordination with their eyes such as grasping, releasing, reaching, pinching, and turning their wrist. Because these small muscle movements take time to develop, they may not come easily at first. In addition to these fine motor skills, kids also learn to use their larger muscles, like those in their arms, legs, back, and stomach. Walking, running, throwing, lifting, pulling, pushing, and kicking are all important skills that are related to body awareness, balance, and strength. These skills allow your child to control and move their body in different ways. Parents can help their child’s physical development by providing opportunities for age-appropriate activities. For instance, babies need regular tummy time to build their neck and upper body strength, while preschoolers and school-aged children need plenty of opportunities to run around and play. Even tweens and teens need regular opportunities for physical activity. Meanwhile, you shouldn’t overlook your child’s need to develop their fine motor skills as well. From an early age, give them opportunities to use their hands and fingers. Give your baby rattles, plush balls, and other toys to grasp. Later, toys that allow them to pick things up and fit them into slots are good for developing beginning skills. As they get older, teach them how to button buttons, use scissors, hold a pencil, and do other tasks with their fingers and hands.
Cognitive Development
The cognitive domain includes intellectual development and creativity. As they develop cognitively, kids gain the ability to process thoughts, pay attention, develop memories, understand their surroundings, express creativity, as well as to make, implement, and accomplish plans. The child psychologist Jean Piaget outlined four stages of cognitive development:
Sensorimotor Stage (Birth to Age 2)
This stage involves learning about the environment through movements and sensations. Infants and toddlers use basic actions like sucking, grasping, looking, and listening to learn about the world around them.
Preoperational Stage (Ages 2 to 7)
During this stage, children learn to think symbolically as well as use words or pictures to represent things. Kids in this stage enjoy pretend play, but still struggle with logic and understanding another person’s perspective.
Concrete Operational Stage (Ages 7 to 11)
Once they enter this stage, kids start to think more logically, but may still struggle with hypothetical situations and abstract thinking. Because they are beginning to see things from another person’s perspective, now is a good time to start teaching empathy.
Formal Operational Stage (Age 12 and Up)
During this stage, a child develops an increase in logical thinking. They also develop an ability to use deductive reasoning and understand abstract ideas. As they become more adept at problem-solving, they also are able to think more scientifically about the world around them. You can help your child develop and hone their cognitive skills by giving them opportunities to play with blocks, puzzles, and board games. You also should create an environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions about the world around them and has plenty of opportunities for free play. Develop your child’s desire to learn by helping them explore topics they are passionate about. Encourage thinking and reasoning skills by asking them open-ended questions and teaching them to expand on their thought processes. As they get older, teach them how to be critical consumers of media and where to find answers to things they don’t know.
Social and Emotional Development
The social-emotional domain includes a child’s growing understanding and control of their emotions. They also begin to identify what others are feeling, develop the ability to cooperate, show empathy, and use moral reasoning. This domain includes developing attachments to others and learning how to interact with them. For instance, children learn how to share, take turns, and accept differences in others. They also develop many different types of relationships, from parents and siblings to peers, teachers, coaches, and others in the community. Tweens, especially, demonstrate significant developments in the social-emotional domain as their peers become more central to their lives and they learn how to carry out long-term friendships. Typically, parents will notice major increases in social skills during this time. To help your child develop both socially and emotionally, look for opportunities for them to interact with kids their age and help them form relationships with both children and adults. You can arrange playdates, explore playgroups, and look into extracurricular activities. Also encourage them to talk to their grandparents, teachers, and coaches as well. To encourage a sense of self, ask your child about their interests and passions and encourage them to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Teach them about recognizing and managing feelings. As they get older, talk to them about healthy friendships and how to handle peer pressure. You also should not shy away from the challenging talks like those covering sex and consent. All of these different social and emotional facets play into your child’s overall development.
Language Development
Language development is dependent on the other developmental domains. The ability to communicate with others grows from infancy, but children develop these abilities at different rates. Aspects of language include:
Phonology: Creating the sounds of speechPragmatics: Communicating verbally and non-verbally in social situationsSemantics: Understanding the rules of what words meanSyntax: Using grammar and putting sentences together
One of the most important things you can do with your child throughout their early life is to read to them—and not just at bedtime. Make reading and enjoying books a central part of your day. Reading out loud to your kids from birth and beyond has a major impact on their emerging language and literacy skills. Aside from reading books, look for opportunities to read other things, too, like the directions to a board game, letters from family members, holiday cards, online articles, and school newsletters. Hearing new vocabulary words spoken expands a child’s vocabulary and helps them prepare to identify unfamiliar words when used in context. In addition to reading, make sure you are talking to your kids even before they can say their first word. Tell them about the things you are doing or what you’re buying in the store. Point out different things and engage them in the world around them. Singing to your child is another excellent way to build your child’s language skills. As they get older, try holding regular conversations, answering questions, and asking for your child’s ideas or opinions. All of these activities are an important part of their language development.
Developmental Delays
As children grow and learn, they will pass certain developmental milestones. While every child is different and progresses at a different rate, these milestones provide general guidelines that help parents and caregivers gauge whether or not a child is on track. The exact timing that a child reaches a particular milestone will vary significantly. However, missing one or two milestones can be a cause for concern. Talk to your child’s pediatrician if you’re worried that your child is not meeting milestones in a particular area. They can evaluate your child and recommend different services if a delay is identified. Every state in the U.S. offers an early intervention program to support kids under the age of 3 that have developmental delays. Once they are over age 3, the community’s local school district must provide programming. So, don’t delay in determining whether or not your child needs assistance. There are resources out there to support them should they need it.
A Word From Verywell
A child’s development is a multi-faceted process comprised of growth, regression, and change in different domains. Development in certain domains may appear more prominent during specific stages of life, yet kids virtually always experience some degree of change in all domains. You can support your child’s growth and development in each of these four areas by understanding these domains and supporting the work your child is doing. Watch the changes taking place in your child and supplement their learning with activities that support their efforts.
