YMCA Family Centers at Walt Disney World® Resorts : Child Development

Parents

Socialization begins with the family. Avoid anger and violence.
Attachment begins with feeding your baby – look at your baby when you feed them.
Children learn to attend or hold their attention by being attended to.
Infants feel safe when they are safe.
Our Family Centers are “Homes away from Home.”

Your Child Will:

Birth to 6 Months of Age
Smile and laugh
Look into your face
Recognize strangers
Require a soothing voice
Enjoy swaying with you

1 to 2 Years of Age
Need a household job
Show affection
Need to be praised
Work at pace much slower than yours
Like to do for self – be independent
Play with objects that interest him/her
Show some self-direction

3 to 4 Years of Age
Play alongside others
Like to go to new places
Make choices between two items
Enjoy household chores
Go to the bathroom alone
Show independence
Demonstrate self-confidence
Show extremes in emotions

6 Months to 1 Year of Age
Play simple games
Imitate funny sounds and faces
Point to self in mirror
Eat meals with you
Calm self

2 to 3 Years of Age
Want to play with others
Begin potty-training
Interact with adults, siblings
Approach play with purpose
Wash and dry hands
Experience solitary play
Seek adult help to solve conflicts

4 to 5 Years of Age
Play in groups
Need to be prepared for changes
Prefer outdoor play
May like to earn an allowance
Love to play with others
Talk about friends
Show empathy and caring
Experiment with “bad” words