Child Development
Growth charts
Weight and height are important parts of your child's growth and development. Every child grows differently. Your health care provider will use a growth chart and talk to you about how your child is doing.
| Using growth charts |
To read more about the WHO growth charts, visit the Dietitians of Canada website. If your child was born premature or has an illness, talk to your health care provider about which growth chart you should use. If you have any concerns about your child's growth, talk to your health care provider. |
Positive discipline
Parenting can be rewarding and fun, but it can be hard sometimes. You are not alone. We are here to help build your parenting skills.
Discipline is part of parenting. Using the right type of discipline will teach your child how to behave and grow into a healthy, caring person. Your child will also learn how to behave by watching you. It is important to be a good role model in your actions, behaviours and words.
Read more about positive discipline in our Positive Discipline Guide for Parents and Caregivers.
| What is positive discipline? |
Positive discipline is not physical punishment. Punishment such as spanking, hitting or yelling does not work. It can be harmful to your child. Positive discipline helps your child:
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| How to use positive discipline |
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Teaching your child discipline takes time and patience. Don't expect your child to listen to what you say all the time.
Positive discipline tips:
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Preschool developmental milestones (One to three years old)
Children learn new things at different ages. Taking a first step, stacking two blocks, and holding a cup to drink are examples of developmental milestones.
To check if your child is meeting their milestones, you can use the Looksee Checklist®.
The Looksee Checklist® is free, online and easy to use. They look at stages from infancy to six years of age. For one to three years, you will find the checklists for 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, two years, 30 months and three years. They also give examples of activities you can do with your child.
Screens are available in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese.
If you have any questions about your child's development, talk to your health care provider.
| Examples of milestones |
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Here are some examples of what your child should be doing from one to three years old. For a full list, refer to the Looksee Checklist®. Does your 15-month-old:
For activities you can do, refer to the Health Department's guide for 15-month-old children. Does your 18-month-old:
Now is an important time to book a visit with your health care provider. This visit is called the Enhanced 18-month Well-Baby Visit. The health care provider will check your child's development and give immunizations. The earlier a child gets help with their development, the better they will do in school.
For activities you can do, refer to the Health Department's guide for 18-month-old children. Does your two-year-old:
For activities you can do, refer to the Health Department's guide for two-year-old children. Does your 30-month-old:
Does your three-year-old:
For activities you can do, refer to the Health Department's guide for three-year-old children. |
Sleep
Sleep helps a child’s mind and body to grow and be healthy.
Is your child getting enough sleep?
- 4 year old needs 10 to 12 hours of sleep every night
- 5 to 9 year old needs 9 to 11 hours of sleep every night
- 10 to 13 year old needs 9 to 11 hours of sleep every night
Having enough sleep helps your child with:
- Physical health – your child will have energy to play, grow and stay healthy.
- Emotional well-being – your child will be able to better cope with their feelings and emotions.
- Quality of life – your child will have better memory, be alert and be able to cope with life’s ups and downs in a positive way.
Speak with your health care provider if you are concerned about your child’s sleep.
Child sleep resources
Learn more about safe sleep with:
- Health Canada: Is Your Child Safe? Sleep Time Guide
- Health Canada: Are Canadian children getting enough sleep? Infographic - Canada.ca
Vision
Vision plays an important role in early child development.
- Optometrists (eye doctors) recommend that children have an eye exam again at age two to three years, and then every year after. A child’s first eye exam is recommended at six months old.
- An optometrist can complete an eye exam even if your child doesn’t know their ABC’s or is not yet speaking in full sentences. Shapes, pictures and other child-friendly ways can be used to check your child’s vision and eye health.
- Yearly eye exams by an optometrist are covered by OHIP for children under 19 years old.
Toilet learning
Children will learn to use the toilet when they are ready. Toilet learning can take time. Most children are ready for toilet learning between two and four years of age.
You can help your child by knowing when they are ready. Some signs that your child may be ready for toilet learning include:
Your child can:
- walk to the potty and sit on it without help
- pull their pants up and down
- have a dry diaper for one to two hours at a time
- tell someone when they need to use the potty
Your child is:
- interested in the potty
- willing to stop what they’re doing to use the potty
- motivated to do things on their own
- eager to please parents and caregivers
If your child is showing many of these signs, they may be ready to start toilet learning.
Read our quick tips handout and toilet learning guide for more readiness signs and tips to help your child with toilet learning.
Getting your child ready for school
There are many things you can do to help your child prepare for school.
1-2-3 Get Set for Kindergarten (English)
1-2-3 Get Set for Kindergarten (French)
Read more in our Getting Your Child Ready for School Guide.
Programs and services for children birth to six years old
Ready, Set, Grow Check-Ups
Do you have questions about your child’s development, learning, speech, or behaviour? Attend a free drop-in for parents and caregivers of children birth to five years old. Bring your children and ask questions about learning, development and behaviour. Professionals from agencies will be present to answer your questions. Ready, Set, Grow Check-Ups happen monthly at different locations across Durham Region.
| Infant and Child Development Program |
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Healthy Babies, Healthy Children Program |
Public health nurses and family visitors offer programs, services and home visits. They are free and ensure you get the information and support you need. Having a baby can be both an exciting and challenging time. You may have questions and need support adjusting to pregnancy and life with a baby. Learn more information about the HBHC program in Durham Region We can help you learn about:
Results from the HBHC Client Feedback Survey: 2023 Infographic To learn more about referral to the HBHC program, call the Durham Health Connection Line. |
| EarlyON Child and Family Centres (previously known as the Ontario Early Years Centres) |
Read more about locations and programs at EarlyON Child and Family Centres. |
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Additional services and information |
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