Child development depends on several factors. Having an understanding of the developmental factors helps us raise them better.
From the moment our child was born, we marvel at every milestone they make. From the first burp, first smile, to a lot more firsts. Heck, we even document every move they do! These milestones aren’t just small victories so we shouldn’t take them for granted. They’re massive achievements for their age.
It’s essential to understand factors that influence the development of a child. They didn’t just say their first words for nothing. In this article, we’re going to talk about the six most known factors affecting growth and development.
Defining child development
What affects child development?
1. Genetics
One of the factors affecting growth and development is genetics. If your child looks like you or the other parent, it means they inherited your physical appearance. From nose, eyes, to lips, as well as the body built and height. It doesn’t just stop there, they can also get your inherited traits like intelligence and attitude. These traits cover everything from shyness, kindness, or a specific talent (can also be lack of!)
If your child got your confidence, they can be ahead of their peers. On the contrary, they can also be otherwise, which delays their milestones. Although genetics play an important role, child development doesn’t entirely depend on it.
2. Health & nutrition
Health attributes are passed through genetics but diseases and disabilities can also be influenced by health and nutrition. The ideal health should include access to healthcare, regular vaccinations, medicines, a toxic-free environment, and diet. Zero to Three said that brain growth is dependent on the quality of a child’s nutrition.
Nutrition plays a crucial growth in child development because it affects their health, strength, growth, and energy levels that contribute to their ability to learn. It’s essential for us to provide a well-balanced diet from birth.
3. Environment
A child’s environment is also one of the factors affecting growth. They should have access to housing, education, and recreational opportunities. Does your child have access to a toxic-free environment where they can live and play?
Children are like sponges, they pick up on everything! As parents, it’s our responsibility to provide a nurturing environment. If you keep your child indoors, they may not properly hone their social skills, which greatly affects their development. Exposing them to other kids is important too.
If you want your child to develop relationships with other people, consider Kids Miracle Steps. We have a thriving and supportive community that allows children to socialize, connect, and learn.
4. Family
Our children will be there entirely until the last minute of our life. Family is the most important out of the many factors that affect child development. Starting from early in childhood, children spend most of their time with parents, influencing how they think, act, and behave.
The importance of family relationships in laying a strong foundation for our children and maximizing their developmental outcomes cannot be overstated.
5. Capability
Developmental factors also lie in our capabilities. Can we provide sustainable housing for our children? Can we send them to a proper school with quality education? The socioeconomic status of parents depends on the opportunities a child gets.
Well-off families could easily send their children to the most expensive schools in the country, which often benefits in the long run as they’re exposed to better learning materials. While families who cannot afford these can hinder their children’s full potential.
But it’s not all about money and where it can take you. Sometimes, working parents spend too much time working. As a result, they cannot provide adequate love and care for their children.
6. Learning
Children also learn outside their homes. Their next playground is schools, which are factors of child development too. In this place, they get to develop intellectually, emotionally, and socially so it’s important to choose the right school!
For children with medical complex issues, we provide an educational learning program that’s child-centered and suits their needs. We believe that learning is a key aspect of child development. Hence, we’re making sure they develop in this area too. To learn more about our educational program, connect with us.
Parents are the most important persons in their lives, and they rely on us for everything: nutrition, safety, comfort, stimulation, and, above all, love and devotion.
There are no cheat sheets or shortcuts for child development. There are controllable factors and things that you have no control over. But let’s not deal much with the uncontrollable things but dwell on what we can do! Make sure that your child gets enough rest every day, eats healthy and balanced meals, and learns and explores new things through social activities or learning.
At Kids Miracle Steps, we have an array of services and programs that’ll help reach your child’s full potential. From therapies to learning programs, we have skilled professionals to help! You can book a call with us now to discuss your child’s needs.
For more articles like this, read our blog posts on Parenting 101: A Guide to Caring for Children with Special Needs and Learning Disabilities: Know the Causes, Signs, and How to Help.
How Kids Miracle Steps can help
We’re committed to providing the highest levels of care, compassion, and love to each child, adult, and family. We meet our objectives by focusing on the unique needs of our patients, helping children live their healthiest lives and providing exceptional and innovative services. Learn more about Kids Miracle Steps for Children.
We’re keeping all lines open for messages. You may call us at (754) 219-9431 or visit our website www.kidsmiraclesteps.com to schedule an appointment. We also offer in-person or virtual tours.
Enroll now! Schedule an appointment today at www.kidsmiraclesteps.com/appointment.
