WellChild/Tamariki Ora Checks

Early brain development- the importance of the early years

Developmental milestones

Ages and stages- managing behaviour

Phone advice

Further information

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Key Points

·         The first three years are key for a child’s brain development

·         A happy secure loving relationship is key to children’s early learning

·         All children are different

·         The WellChild/Tamariki Ora checks include asking parents about their child’s learning and development

·         Understanding what is normal can help you to respond to your child’s behavior

·         If you have concerns about your child’s development or behavior talk to your Well Child/Tamariki Ora provider or family doctor

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WellChild/Tamariki Ora Checks

·         Before each WellChild/Tamariki Ora check think about what your child is doing- there are helpful questions in the Well Child Health Book

·         Your Well Child provider will ask you a short series of questions, the PEDS (Parental Evaluation of Developmental Status)  to find out about any concerns you may have about your child’s development, and can provide you with advice about these

·         It is best to find out early if there are any problems so that your child can be referred for further assessment and early intervention if needed

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Early brain development- the importance of the early years

·         A baby’s brain is only 15% developed when it is born.  Most of a child’s brain development occurs after it is born, in the first three years of life

·         The child’s close relationships are key to providing the “brain food” they need to grow into healthy, secure and well functioning adults

·         Talk, read and sing to your child

·         Smile and have fun with them

·         Give them opportunities to explore the world safely

To learn more about the way the brain develops and changes see The Brainwave Trust resources

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 Developmental milestones

·         Skills such as smiling for the first time, learning to walk, saying their first word are known as developmental milestones.

·         Children all learn at their own rate so it is impossible to tell exactly when they will learn a specific skill.  However they do pass through the same stages so it is possible to have a general idea of the changes to expect as a child grows

·         If you have concerns about your child’s development then talk to your Well Child provider or family doctor.

·         For information about monthly milestones in the first two years and when to seek help see the Raising children website

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Ages and stages- managing behaviour

Understanding normal development can help us understand and manage children’s behaviour better.  The Ministry of Social Development website has useful information on child development stages and ideas about what you can do S.K.I.P.

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 Phone advice:

·         ring PlunketLine on 0800 933 922 if you have child health and parenting questions or queries including questions about your child's development or behaviour

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Further information

·        http://www.plunket.org.nz/ Plunket website has information on children’s development and advice for parenting by age group.

·        The Kidshealth website supported by the Paediatric Society of New Zealand and the Starship Foundation has information sheets on speech and language development  and early intervention

·        http://raisingchildren.net.au/ Raising Children Network is a comprehensive Australian parenting website which has useful information on child development milestones, signs to watch out for and some video footage.

·        The Brainwave Trust provides evidence based information on early child brain development

·        The Ministry of Social Development SKIP website has information for parents on child development and behavior http://www.skip.org.nz/information-for-parents/index.html

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