As a parent, watching your child grow and develop is one of life’s greatest joys. However, it’s natural to feel concerned if you notice your child isn’t meeting certain milestones. Early communication development is critical for your child’s social, emotional, and academic success. Gestures can help to identify potential delays that might impact future learning and social interactions. The number of gestures your child learns early in life is a significant milestone, acting as an early indicator of the development of healthy communication.

The Role of Gestures in Communication Development

Gestures are a fundamental part of early communication. They help children express their needs and interests before their use of words. Developing gestures is closely linked to language and overall cognitive growth. Early gestures form the foundation for more complex communication skills, including spoken language and social interaction. Children who develop a rich repertoire of gestures tend to have increased language skills later on.

Critical Gestures and their Development Timeline

Here is a simple breakdown of some key gestures your child should know and by which approximate age:

Why does this Matter?

Understanding and addressing early communication and language difficulties is incredibly important for your child’s future. Early intervention can help prevent more significant challenges with behavior, learning, reading, and social interactions. The first three years of life are a critical period for brain development, with rapid growth and the formation of essential neural connections. By the time your child is three, major brain circuits are mostly mature, making it challenging to make substantial changes. Early support can set your child on a path for lifelong success.

What if my Baby is not Learning these Gestures by the Milestones?

Children who do not develop the expected gestures by 16 months may be at risk for communication delays. This can affect their ability to connect with others, learn language, and engage in social interactions. Parents and caregivers should monitor their child’s gesture development and seek early intervention if delays are observed. Early support can nurture your child’s development and help prevent future challenges.

How can I support my infant-toddler’s development?

As a parent, you play a crucial role in fostering early communication skills. Here are some tips to support your child’s development:

• Engage in social interactions and respond to your child’s gestures;
• Provide a rich language environment by speaking to your child frequently; and,
• Focus on the same object and talk about it to create meaningful learning opportunities.

Remember, you are not alone on this journey, and many resources are available to support you and your child.

Next Steps

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, please reach out to Willow and Sage Counselling for free developmental screenings for infants and toddlers aged 6-24 months. We also provide additional resources to support goals at home, and we offer community-based resources if desired.

Source: https://babynavigator.com/16-gestures-by-16-months/.