Overall development of children

As a parent of a young child, you might be worried about his or her development. If so, it is important to realise that each child’s overall development is different. Each child develops at their own pace. Some children quickly say their first words, or swiftly take their first steps. And for other children, this might happen more slowly. 

What is considered ‘normal’ in a child’s overall development?

Do you want to know if your child has a developmental problem? Such as autism (ASD)? In that case, it is important to first know how the overall development of most children progresses. Then you will know what abilities most children have at a certain age. Afterwards, you can see if your child’s development deviates (strongly) from that.

Reliable information on the overall development of children

There are many websites with information on child development. But the information on some websites is not always correct or well-founded. The following websites provide reliable information on the overall development of young children:

• The GroeiGids (or ‘Growth Guide’) is the information guide used by many Dutch (healthcare) professionals, such as midwives, maternity nurses, parenting advisers, youth healthcare workers and school staff. The Growth Guide is a series of seven volumes, of which four are also available in English. It provides you as a (prospective) parent with information on your child's development, health and upbringing. The subjects of the available English Growth Guides range from pregnancy to a child’s first four years. A long time, therefore, in which questions about a child’s development arise again and again. The GroeiGids is available as an app (App Store and Play Store) and online.
• The Nederlands Jeugdinstituut (NJI) (or ‘Netherlands Youth Institute’) helps – among others – parents and caregivers with reliable information and practical tips on growing up and parenting. In this way, the NJI can contribute to a safer, healthier and more promising life for children, youth and their caregivers. For more information about the NJI, please visit www.nji.nl/english

See also: Wait and see, or take action?