What Developmental Milestones Should My Child Have?
- Total Communication
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Every child grows at their own pace, but certain developmental milestones act as signposts for healthy growth. When a child falls significantly behind in these areas, it may be an early sign that they need extra support.
At Total Communication Therapy Center, we work closely with families in Singapore to track these milestones and provide intervention when needed. Here’s a guide you can use to understand when your child may benefit from additional help.
🧠 Thinking and Learning Milestones
By 1 year: Does not respond to faces or familiar objects, does not anticipate peek-a-boo or people returning.
By 2 years: Cannot identify simple body parts, match objects, or recognise themself in a mirror.
By 3 years: Cannot follow simple directions, imitate adults, or engage in pretend play.
By 4 years: Struggles to answer basic “what do you do when…?” questions, has limited imagination, cannot sit through a short story.
By 5 - 6 years: Cannot grasp time concepts (yesterday/tomorrow), follow multi-step directions, recognise shapes/colours/letters, or understand numbers as quantities.
🗣️ Speech and Language Milestones
By 6 months: Rarely coos or babbles.
By 1 year: Does not say “mama/dada” or understand simple words like milk or bye-bye.
By 2 years: Cannot name objects, use two-word phrases, or point to express wants.
By 3 years: Does not follow simple instructions or form short sentences.
By 4 years: Cannot tell stories, ask questions, or form sentences of 4–5 words.
By 5 years: Cannot answer who/what/where/why questions, struggles with simple sentences.
🏃♂️ Movement and Motor Skills
By 3 - 6 months: Cannot control head/limbs, bring objects to mouth, or focus on toys.
By 1 year: Has not crawled, stood with support, or picked up small objects.
By 2 years: Has difficulty walking, kicking a ball, or using spoons/cups.
By 3 years: Falls often, cannot walk stairs, draw lines, or turn book pages.
By 4 years: Cannot jump, balance on one foot, or pedal a tricycle.
By 5 years: Struggles with skipping, swinging, cutting, or dressing independently.
🎲 Play and Social Interaction
By 3 months: Does not coo or smile.
By 1 - 2 years: Does not engage in peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake, or waving bye-bye.
By 3 years: Does not imitate daily routines, prefers solitary play, avoids interaction.
By 4 years: Does not engage in make-believe or group games.
By 5 years: Has difficulty sharing, taking turns, or showing empathy.
⚖️ Behaviour and Emotional Regulation
Avoids eye contact or resists comfort.
Gets unusually frustrated with simple tasks.
Shows aggression, extreme shyness, or withdrawal.
Displays violent behaviours (tantrums, fighting, hitting).
Rocks, stares, or talks to self more than peers.
Lacks danger awareness (running into traffic, climbing unsafely).
Has frequent headaches, stomachaches, or sleep/eating issues.
Acts overly impulsive or distracted, struggles with discipline.
When to Seek Support
Some children may simply take a little longer to reach milestones. But if delays are persistent or cause concern for you, your family, or your child’s teachers, it’s best to seek guidance.
At Total Communication Therapy Center, our team of experienced speech, occupational, and educational therapists provides assessments and personalised support to help children grow.
If you’ve noticed delays in your child’s development, don’t wait. Book a consultation with Total Communication today and let’s take the next step together.
📍 1 Pemimpin Drive #11-08 Singapore 576151
📞 +65 9115 8895
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