Milestones are simple skills children usually learn at certain ages like babbling, walking, talking, playing and learning.
Milestones help parents understand if their child is developing as expected or if they may need extra support.
They are simply a guide to help you notice early signs.
When children get support early, they often:
Speech & Language
• understanding instructions
• using words and sentences
• expressing needs
• speaking clearly
• speak late
• use very few words
• have unclear speech
• don’t respond to name
• find it hard to follow simple instructions
Gross Motor
• head control, rolling, sitting
• crawling, walking, running
• jumping, climbing, balancing
• are very clumsy
• fall often
• avoid physical play
• have weak body strength
• are late in crawling or walking
Fine Motor
• using hands and fingers
• grasping objects
• drawing, writing, cutting
• buttoning, zipping
• hold pencil awkwardly
• avoid writing or drawing
• have messy handwriting
• struggle with scissors
• find small objects hard to handle
Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is how the brain responds to touch, movement, sound, light and body awareness.
• hate loud sounds or crowded places
• dislike haircuts or certain clothes
• are extremely active or always moving
• frequently crash, jump or bump into things
• have difficulty calming down
Social & Emotional Development
• playing with others
• managing emotions
• understanding social rules
• building confidence
• playing with others
• managing emotions
• understanding social rules
• building confidence
Attention & Learning Skills
• focusing on tasks
• following routines
• remembering instructions
• learning letters, numbers and early school skills
• can’t sit for short activities
• forget instructions quickly
• struggle to follow classroom routines
• have difficulty learning basic concepts
Reminder: Every child develops differently. But if you notice delays, it’s always okay to seek advice early.
Important Note for Parents:
This checklist is a general guide. Every child develops differently.
But if you notice delays or you feel worried, it’s best to get professional advice early.
Speech & Language
• Turns towards sound or familiar voices
• Makes cooing sounds (e.g., “oo”, “aa”)
• Cries differently for different needs
Gross Motor
• Lifts head briefly during tummy time
• Moves arms and legs actively
• Begins rolling (some babies start later)
Fine Motor
• Grasps finger or small toy briefly
• Brings hands to mouth
• Watches hands move
Social & Emotional
• Smiles at people
• Enjoys looking at faces
• Calms when comforted
Independence / Daily Living
• Feeds with support
• Settles with familiar routines
• Shows comfort with caregiver
Learning & Attention
• Focuses on faces
• Notices bright colours and movement
• Reacts to loud noises
Speech & Language
• Babbling (e.g., “ba-ba”, “da-da”)
• Responds to name often
• Understands simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”
Gross Motor
• Sits without support
• Crawls or moves around (some shuffle instead)
• Pulls to stand
Fine Motor
• Transfers toys from one hand to the other
• Picks up small objects using fingers
• Bangs objects together
Social & Emotional
• Shows preference for familiar people
• Enjoys peekaboo or simple games
• Shows emotions clearly (happy, upset, excited)
Independence / Daily Living
• Begins finger feeding
• Holds bottle with help
• Shows interest in solid food
Learning & Attention
• Looks for dropped toys
• Explores objects by shaking, tapping, mouthing
• Watches caregiver closely
Speech & Language
• Says a few meaningful words
• Points to show what they want
• Understands simple instructions (e.g., “come here”)
Gross Motor
• Walks independently
• Climbs onto furniture
• Begins running (may be unsteady)
Fine Motor
• Stacks 2-4 blocks
• Scribbles with crayon
• Uses spoon with mess
Social & Emotional
• Shows affection to familiar people
• Plays simple pretend (feeding doll, talking on phone)
• Has tantrums (normal at this age, but should recover with support)
Independence / Daily Living
• Helps with dressing (arms/legs)
• Drinks from cup with help
• Begins to follow simple routines
Learning & Attention
• Enjoys simple books
• Imitates actions (clapping, waving)
• Can focus briefly on toys they like
Speech & Language
• Uses 2-3 word phrases (e.g., “want milk”)
• Answers simple questions
• Follows 2-step instructions (“take your shoes, put here”)
Gross Motor
• Runs more confidently
• Jumps with both feet
• Walks upstairs with help
Fine Motor
• Builds tower of blocks
• Turns book pages one by one
• Begins simple drawing (lines, circles)
Social & Emotional
• Begins to play with other children (still learning sharing)
• Shows strong emotions
• May become shy or clingy in new situations
Independence / Daily Living
• Feeds self with spoon and fork
• Removes simple clothing
• Shows interest in toilet training
Learning & Attention
• Matches shapes and colours (basic)
• Enjoys pretend play
• Can focus longer on activities they enjoy
Speech & Language
• Speaks in full sentences
• Can tell simple stories
• Speech is mostly understood by family and others
Gross Motor
• Hops on one foot (may be developing)
• Climbs confidently
• Pedals a tricycle
Fine Motor
• Holds pencil with better control
• Copies simple shapes
• Uses scissors with help
Social & Emotional
• Plays cooperatively sometimes
• Understands simple rules
• Begins to manage emotions with adult support
Independence / Daily Living
• Dresses with minimal help
• Washes hands with reminders
• Uses toilet with help (varies between children)
Learning & Attention
• Follows routines in preschool
• Can sit for short group activities
• Understands basic concepts like “big/small” or “same/different”
Speech & Language
• Explains ideas clearly
• Understands conversations and classroom instructions
• Uses correct grammar most of the time
Gross Motor
• Rides a bicycle (some children later)
• Plays sports with better coordination
• Controls body movement more smoothly
Fine Motor
• Writes more neatly
• Cuts shapes confidently
• Uses school tools well (pencil, ruler, glue)
Social & Emotional
• Understands rules and fairness better
• Learns teamwork and cooperation
• Can manage emotions better, but still needs guidance
Independence / Daily Living
• Packs school bag with reminders
• Brushes teeth with minimal supervision
• Follows simple household routines
Learning & Attention
• Can focus longer in class (with support)
• Starts reading and writing skills
• Understands simple problem-solving and sequencing
Gentle Reminder:
Every child develops differently. But if you notice delays, struggles or daily challenges, it is always okay to ask for help. Early advice brings clarity and gives your child the best support.
Speech & Language
• Speaks in full sentences
• Can tell simple stories
• Speech is mostly understood by family and others
Gross Motor
• Hops on one foot (may be developing)
• Climbs confidently
• Pedals a tricycle
Fine Motor
• Holds pencil with better control
• Copies simple shapes
• Uses scissors with help
Social & Emotional
• Plays cooperatively sometimes
• Understands simple rules
• Begins to manage emotions with adult support
Independence / Daily Living
• Dresses with minimal help
• Washes hands with reminders
• Uses toilet with help (varies between children)
Learning & Attention
• Follows routines in preschool
• Can sit for short group activities
• Understands basic concepts like “big/small” or “same/different”
Speech & Language
• Explains ideas clearly
• Understands conversations and classroom instructions
• Uses correct grammar most of the time
Gross Motor
• Rides a bicycle (some children later)
• Plays sports with better coordination
• Controls body movement more smoothly
Fine Motor
• Writes more neatly
• Cuts shapes confidently
• Uses school tools well (pencil, ruler, glue)
Social & Emotional
• Understands rules and fairness better
• Learns teamwork and cooperation
• Can manage emotions better, but still needs guidance
Independence / Daily Living
• Packs school bag with reminders
• Brushes teeth with minimal supervision
• Follows simple household routines
Learning & Attention
• Can focus longer in class (with support)
• Starts reading and writing skills
• Understands simple problem-solving and sequencing
Speech & Language
• Uses mature vocabulary
• Understands jokes, reasoning, and complex instructions
• Can write and explain ideas in a structured way
Gross Motor
• Plays sports and games with coordination
• Has stronger stamina and balance
• Moves confidently in physical activities
Fine Motor
• Writes clearly for longer periods
• Manages tasks like tying shoelaces, crafts, detailed drawing
• Uses keyboard/mouse effectively
Social & Emotional
• Understands friendships and social rules
• May feel anxious, shy, or sensitive (emotions become more complex)
• Needs support with confidence and self-esteem
Independence / Daily Living
• Manages school routine more independently
• Organises homework (still needs reminders sometimes)
• Handles self-care with minimal support
Learning & Attention
• Plans and completes homework
• Follows multi-step tasks
• Learns better with good attention and emotional regulation
• May struggle if there are ongoing issues with focus, reading, writing, or memory
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