Positive Parenting using the GOLD standard

Understanding the child's development to promote positive parenting

Two Weeks old
Your newborn infant is mostly a sleeping, eating and sometimes 'fussing' ball of cuddles. Touch is very important for bonding during this time, so don't be afraid to hold, sing to rock and caress your child.

One thing you may notice at this stage is a streak of inconsolability. Your baby may cry and fuss no matter what you do. Of course, always check to make sure that your baby is not hungry, soiled, tired, too hot, too cold or coming down with an illness.

If you can't find anything obviously wrong, then rest assured it's likely just a case of normal fussiness. Infants' nervous systems are still developing at this time. Crying, for them, is actually a way of processing all of the stimuli of the day.
Expect your baby to have his or her own schedule when it comes to frequency of bowel movements. Some babies go after every meal, while others may go once a day to once every 2 or 3 days.

Two Months

At this time you and your baby have made very solid bond.Your baby will start to recognize you and your partner's face and voice, and smile for the first time.
In order to aid sensory-motor development, encourage your baby's now emerging desire to interact with you and with his or her environment. Continue to lavish plenty of touch and 'talk to' your baby as often as possible. Let him or her reach out and touch bright objects, or shake a rattle.
Even at this stage, you will begin to notice your baby's "real personality" starting to peek through!

Four Months

Your baby will continue to show interest in his environment and in exploring it as best he can. It's really a good time now to provide your baby with age appropriate toys. Although your baby's grip still isn't strong enough to hold a toy for long, he or she will delight in having something to pick up, drop or bang together. Be forewarned, of course, that anything a baby picks up is going to go straight into his mouth at some point!

This is an appropriate time to begin reading to your baby, and or acclimating him to a second language.The mental stimulation of hearing your voice and gazing at bright pictures is very good for your child's intellectual development.
This may also be the best time to start planning on childproofing your home. You may also want to suit your baby with a bib or keep some wipes handy, as your baby may 'spit up' in the midst of play.

Six Months

The six month old's awareness of his environment makes another leap, and he genuinely enjoys the company of other people. You'll notice your baby is beginning to distinguish between his usual caregivers versus strangers, and may even display the beginnings of stranger anxiety.
This is also the milestone where your baby's first real words (like 'mama' or 'dada') will likely be uttered. Not all babies begin speaking this soon, however, so don't worry if yours hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet.

Milestone: 9 Months

There are many new developments to make note of at the 9 month mark! By now, your baby will be very active, crawling around to anything he can get into! Expect your baby to vocalize much more, use small words and respond to his own name.
He will also begin to show preferences for certain people and foods, often protesting loudly when he doesn't get his way.
This is a good time to start setting gentle limits, as well providing more structure and routine to your baby's daily life.
You can begin verbalizing "no" and "yes" to teach him the meaning of those words. You can also use light discipline if necessary. For example, you may want to return your baby to the crib or playpen for a few minutes if his behavior is wearing your patience thin.
The extent of your baby's stranger anxiety should be fully evident by this time as well. It may be difficult to leave the baby with grandparents or sitters. Therefore, you'll want to start a 'desensitization' program by leaving your baby for short periods of time, first, then longer periods as he comes to learn that you are going to return each time.
Make sure to take your baby to his next 'well-baby' checkup with the doctor, too, as this is the age when most of his natural immunity has subsided and he will be much more susceptible to infections (particularly upper respiratory).

Twelve Months

Your baby is entering the 'toddler' stage of child development. At this age many are crawling with confidence while others may have started walking. This is the age where children really begin to get into everything, so it's imperative that you child-proof your home. It is also the age where most children become much more talkative, assertive and even show a little bit of rebellion, so maintain a patient and consistent method of discipline is a must!

At this age continue teaching the words "yes" and "no".Start building your child's self-esteem with praise.Make play time a fun and stimulating learning experience.
Encourage solo play time (with supervision) as well as play with other
toddlers.Methods of discipline should be gentle, authoritative and consistent.

Need more help? Try this..
Growth Milestones
Two Weeks old

Your newborn infant is mostly a sleeping, eating and sometimes 'fussing' ball of cuddles. Touch is very important for bonding during this time, so don't be afraid to hold, sing to rock and caress your child.

One thing you may notice at this stage is a streak of inconsolability. Your baby may cry and fuss no matter what you do. Of course, always check to make sure that your baby is not hungry, soiled, tired, too hot, too cold or coming down with an illness.

If you can't find anything obviously wrong, then rest assured it's likely just a case of normal fussiness. Infants' nervous systems are still developing at this time. Crying, for them, is actually a way of processing all of the stimuli of the day.
Expect your baby to have his or her own schedule when it comes to frequency of bowel movements. Some babies go after every meal, while others may go once a day to once every 2 or 3 days.

Two Months

At this time you and your baby have made very solid bond.Your baby will start to recognize you and your partner's face and voice, and smile for the first time.
In order to aid sensory-motor development, encourage your baby's now emerging desire to interact with you and with his or her environment. Continue to lavish plenty of touch and 'talk to' your baby as often as possible. Let him or her reach out and touch bright objects, or shake a rattle.
Even at this stage, you will begin to notice your baby's "real personality" starting to peek through!

Four Months

Your baby will continue to show interest in his environment and in exploring it as best he can. It's really a good time now to provide your baby with age appropriate toys. Although your baby's grip still isn't strong enough to hold a toy for long, he or she will delight in having something to pick up, drop or bang together. Be forewarned, of course, that anything a baby picks up is going to go straight into his mouth at some point!

This is an appropriate time to begin reading to your baby, and or acclimating him to a second language.The mental stimulation of hearing your voice and gazing at bright pictures is very good for your child's intellectual development.
This may also be the best time to start planning on childproofing your home. You may also want to suit your baby with a bib or keep some wipes handy, as your baby may 'spit up' in the midst of play.

Six Months

The six month old's awareness of his environment makes another leap, and he genuinely enjoys the company of other people. You'll notice your baby is beginning to distinguish between his usual caregivers versus strangers, and may even display the beginnings of stranger anxiety.
This is also the milestone where your baby's first real words (like 'mama' or 'dada') will likely be uttered. Not all babies begin speaking this soon, however, so don't worry if yours hasn't quite gotten the hang of it yet.

Milestone: 9 Months

There are many new developments to make note of at the 9 month mark! By now, your baby will be very active, crawling around to anything he can get into! Expect your baby to vocalize much more, use small words and respond to his own name.
He will also begin to show preferences for certain people and foods, often protesting loudly when he doesn't get his way.
This is a good time to start setting gentle limits, as well providing more structure and routine to your baby's daily life.
You can begin verbalizing "no" and "yes" to teach him the meaning of those words. You can also use light discipline if necessary. For example, you may want to return your baby to the crib or playpen for a few minutes if his behavior is wearing your patience thin.
The extent of your baby's stranger anxiety should be fully evident by this time as well. It may be difficult to leave the baby with grandparents or sitters. Therefore, you'll want to start a 'desensitization' program by leaving your baby for short periods of time, first, then longer periods as he comes to learn that you are going to return each time.
Make sure to take your baby to his next 'well-baby' checkup with the doctor, too, as this is the age when most of his natural immunity has subsided and he will be much more susceptible to infections (particularly upper respiratory).

Twelve Months

Your baby is entering the 'toddler' stage of child development. At this age many are crawling with confidence while others may have started walking. This is the age where children really begin to get into everything, so it's imperative that you child-proof your home. It is also the age where most children become much more talkative, assertive and even show a little bit of rebellion, so maintain a patient and consistent method of dis