All posts in Child Development

Sep 4, 2020

Why are the first five years of my child’s brain development so important?

During the first five years of life, a child will undergo such intensive developmental transformations that it’s often hard for parents to recognize their newborn as the same little person entering kindergarten. These first five years are often called “the leap years” not only because a child grows by leaps and bounds but also because a child’s ever-changing brain is continually evolving—literally leaping forward with learning, developing, absorbing and building a foundation for how they will learn for the rest of their life.

Aug 11, 2020

Can playing in the dirt boost my child’s immune system?

If you’re like most parents and caregivers, you’ve spent a good deal of time teaching your young child the importance of proper hygiene. From taking nightly baths to scrubbing those little hands before mealtime to rubbing on the hand sanitizer, we all work hard to ensure our kids are staying as clean and germ-free as possible. But what if our kids are too clean for their good?

Aug 4, 2020

How do I prepare my child to start daycare?

Separation anxiety - it’s a term that children and their parents/caregivers know all too well when it comes to the first day of daycare. That monumental day is when a child ventures off alone into their first independent life experience and it’s an important developmental milestone. But when it comes to sending your little one off to daycare for the first time, there are steps you can take to make it an easier transition for both you and your child.

Jul 21, 2020

How do I choose an age appropriate toy for my child?

In the world of children, “play” is considered part of the “workday.” When children play, they are learning new skills, asserting themselves as individuals, and practicing relationships with others and the world-at-large. As part of the development aspects of play, a good toy can help a child learn and grow. However, one quick trip to a toy department and a parent or caregiver can quickly be overwhelmed with the variety of toy choices and have difficulty deciding what defines a “good” toy. Even though most toys come with age classifications and development definitions, not all toys are beneficial for a child.

Jun 30, 2020

How to get help for a medically complex child in SC

For parents and guardians with medically complex children, there are many challenges and hurdles to overcome to ensure their child receives the best care and resources available. Medically complex children are defined as children who have chronic complex medical conditions that require ongoing care by several pediatric specialists and who may need specialized medical equipment.