How people look, think, feel, communicate, and act will change
as they grow. Many factors influence the path of change. Biology and genetics act
together with a person’s situation
and experiences. Research with children and adults shows us
how changes in the early years shape later growth. Children’s developmental skills
affect every part of their lives,
including:
• what they need
• what they experience
• how they form and keep relationships
• how they communicate
• what they understand
• how they work out problems
For young children, the family plays a crucial role in their
development. This fact sheet
will help you understand your
grandchild’s development and recognize how family interactions
influence these changes.
Individual differences
Each child develops at his or her own rate. Not all children
develop the same skills at the same time. Some babies walk at 10 months and
others walk at 14 months. One child may learn to
read at 4 years and another not until 7 years. When children
develop skills can be “uneven” as well. One child may develop thinking skills
“on-time” but seem behind in his or her social skills.
Culture also plays a role in how children grow and change.
Grandparenting Today - Grandparents Raising Grandchildren –
Series of publications covers family relationships and child development issues
that you may face as a grandparent raising a grandchild. (University of Wisconsin
Cooperative Extension)
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