Children's Development and Support

We recently sent out a questionnaire about children’s development and the support you get as a parent. The results suggest to us that the majority of parents in Stoke on Trent are fairly confident but do not feel that they are given enough information to support them in bringing up their children.

This information sheet is to dispel some of the myths around child development and to help you in your important job of being a parent.
If you would like more information please log onto www.stokespeaksout.org or contact the project team on:
01782 234501

When does most brain development occur?

Most of the child’s brain development happens in the first two years of life with most of this being in the first year. Around 70% of the brain’s total growth is in the first two years with 90% of this being in the first year of life.

At what age do most children say their first words?

All children vary in their development but most children say their first words at around 12 to 14 months old. Their first attempts may not be very clear - the more you respond to these attempts the quicker new words will develop.

Can you spoil babies by picking them up too much?

No. You can never give a young baby too much love and attention. The closer and more love a baby receives in the first few months of life means they will become more confident and independent as they grow older.

Dummies and bottles should be discouraged after the age of one year- true or false?

True. Children who continue to use a dummy or bottle after the age of one may develop slushy speech or may talk less. Stoke Speaks Out recommends that you reduce the dummy and bottle once your child is weaned and try to get rid of it completely by the age of one year.
Try cuddling, reading or singing your baby to sleep instead of using the dummy- this will help you form a close bond.

Is there any point talking to a baby as they do not understand?

Yes. Even though young babies do not understand the words they learn a lot from your tone of voice. If you use a word regularly with a child they will eventually learn what it means and be able to say it. Spend time talking and playing with your child every day-this will help them develop their language skills much quicker than children who are seldom spoken to.

If you tend to a baby’s needs within a few minutes of crying the baby will cry less in the long term- true or false?

True. Current research suggests that if you react quickly to a baby’s cry they are less likely to get stressed and will become calmer in the long term.

Can having the television on constantly in the background  delay children’s language development?

Yes. Constant background noise can affect children’s listening development which will affect their language and communication skills. Have T.V. times but not all the time and try to have some quiet times for talking and playing together.