Supporting your child's development
Tracking your child’s development against key milestones can help to detect any development issues early. Information and tools to help monitor development.
Last updated: 27 July 2023
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About development
Development refers to how your child:
- grows physically
- develops emotionally
- learns to think
- learns to communicate
- learns to socialise.
Every child develops at their own rate. Not every child will reach a development milestone at the same age.
Talk to your local doctor or child and family health nurse if you’re concerned about your child’s growth and development.
Key milestones
It’s important to be aware of key milestones and keep track of your own child’s development. There are websites and apps that can help, including:
- Learn the Signs Act Early – checklist of what most children can do by age group and the early signs to be aware of that may indicate your child’s development is not on track. These tools are available in the blue book and should be completed before each health check
- Bright Tomorrows – helps with the development of key life skills during everyday activities
- Learning through play – fun and educational activity ideas for you to try with your child at home that can help their development
- Deadly Tots – information and resources for Aboriginal families to help their child learn and grow.
The Raising Children website also has information and resources to help you understand and support the development of your:
- toddler (aged 1 to 3)
- preschooler (aged 3 to 5).
