Being a parent is one of the most rewarding jobs you can have, but an almost equally challenging one – and no less so when it comes to knowing what to expect or look out for as you little one grows and develops.

The terrible twos, the troublesome threes... when might they sit up, walk and talk..? Of course, no two children are ever the same. Nonetheless, we hope you will find some comfort by knowing a little more about the kind of milestones you might look forward to; when not to worry and when it might be a good idea to seek professional advice.

Child development – what does this actually mean?

• Understanding how a child becomes able to do more complex things as they get older
• Acquiring skills based on experiences and interactions
• Learning how to get along with others and become friends
• Learning 'how to learn' about their world
• Understanding the sequence and rate at which children are expected to develop 

The 5 areas of development

• Social development.
• Physical
• Intellectual 
• Communication
• Emotional

...more commonly referred to as 'the S.P.I.C.E. of life'!