“Track Your Child’s Development: Understand to Support” – Tips from Vinmec Experts
The first two years of life lay the foundation for a child’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. While the first 12 months focus on movement and emotional bonding, the period from 12 to 24 months marks a remarkable “growth spurt”, as children rapidly develop new skills in language, motor abilities, cognition, and social interaction.
1. Developmental Milestones (12–24 months)
During this stage, children make significant progress across multiple areas of development. MSc. Dang Thi Thanh Tung – Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist at Vinmec Times City shares key insights to help parents recognize typical milestones and provide appropriate timely support.
Parents can refer to the infographic below to easily track and celebrate each step in their child’s growth journey.
2. Tips for Parents
Every new behavior or gesture marks an important milestone in a child’s growth. Here are a few key reminders for parents:
- Each child develops at their own pace: Early or late achievement of a few skills is normal. Some children may advance faster in motor skills, while others excel in language development.
- Milestones are for reference, not testing: Treat them as guidance to support and engage with your child, not as a checklist. For example, when your child starts using single words, read books together and name objects to encourage language development.
- Focus on overall progress: What matters most is steady learning of new skills, not meeting milestones at exact ages.
- Trust your observations: If your child loses previously acquired skills or shows unusual behaviors, consult a teacher or pediatrician promptly.
Understanding developmental stages not only helps parents feel more confident but also empowers them to guide, encourage, and nurture their child’s natural strengths.
3. When to Seek Professional Attention?
Parents should consider consulting a pediatrician or child psychologist if their child has not reached key milestones or shows any of the following signs:
- 12 months: No babbling or communicative gestures (e.g., pointing, nodding/shaking head).
- 16 months: No single words.
- 24 months: No two-word phrases.
- Any age: Loss of language or repetitive, unusual behaviors (toe-walking, spinning, flicking switches repeatedly)
These are “red flag” signs that should not be ignored.
Recommended Clinics in Hanoi:
- Integrated Mental Healthcare Center at Vinmec Times City International Hospital, 458 Minh Khai Street
- Psychiatry Department – National Children’s Hospital
De La Thanh Street - Other reputable Psychology and Special Education Centers
Recommended Clinics in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Pediatric Psychology Clinic – Vinmec Central Park Hospital
- Central Children’s Hospital 2
- Psychiatry Clinic – 72B Phan Dang Luu Street
References:
- Developmental Psychology – Nguyen Dong (Chief Editor), National Political Publishing House, Hanoi.
- The Rossetti Infant–Toddler Language Scale (Rossetti, 2006).
- Denver II, a screening tool for assessing psychomotor development in children aged 0–6 years.
