This resource was produced by the Mental Health Action Team of the The Birth to Third Grade Action Network.    Learn More    |   Share Your Feedback

A Parent’s Pocket Guide to Child Wellness

Guidance at Every Age, Development at Every Stage. A child’s early years — from birth through age eight — are very important for all areas of learning and growth. That includes physical growth and health, emotional and behavioral growth, as well as logic, reasoning, socializing, and thinking. Healthy development in the early years gives children a foundation for lifelong health and well-being.

What do pediatricians have to say?

illustration of physician with parent and young child
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Watch the video message from Dr. Lia Simpson Erickson with Novant Health Waughtown Pediatrics

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Watch the video message from Dr. Elimarie Caballero-Quinones with Wake Forest Baptist Health

Young children playing with blocks

Parents and caregivers can support a child’s mental wellbeing at any age.

Parents often focus on a child’s physical growth and learning milestones, but it’s also important to look out for your child’s social and emotional wellbeing, even beginning at infancy!

One Month Visit

The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the one-month-old milestone.

Does your baby…

Social Language / Self-help

  • Look at you, and follow the sound of your voice?
  • Get fussy when left alone?
  • Calm or settle with you?

Verbal Language

  • Coo’s with oohs and aahs
  • Startle to unexpected change in surroundings?
  • Cry differently for hunger or tiredness?
  • Calm or settle with you?

    Gross Motor

    • Move all limbs around?
    • Hold chin up?

    Fine Motor

    • Open and close fingers on hand?

      Try this…

      • Start finding some good child care options.
      • Anxiety and depression are very common after having a baby. Don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or your baby’s pediatrician.  Getting enough sleep/physical activity and eating health helps.  Talk with me if feelings last more than 2 days.
      • Make time for yourself and your partner.
      • Put your baby down in your baby’s crib awake or drowsy.
      • Consider offering a pacifier.
      • Calm baby with stroking head or gentle rocking.
      • Never hit or shake your baby.
      • Avoid TV and other digital media with your baby.
      • Start “tummy time” when awake.
      • Learn the best way to take your baby’s temperature.
      • Wash your hands.

      Two Month Visit

      The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the two-month-old milestone.

      Does your baby…

      Social Language / Self-help

      • Smile at you?
      • Make pleasant or unpleasant sounds?

      Verbal Language

      • Make short cooing sounds?

        Gross Motor

        • Hold its head steady?
        • Lift its head and chest during tummy time?

        Fine Motor

        • Open and shut hands?
        • Bring hands together?

          Try this…

          • Be responsive!
          • Stay calm.
          • Work together.
          • Talk to your baby.
          • Hold, cuddle, talk, sing to your baby.
          • Learn baby’s temperament and personality
          • Develop a routine.
          • Avoid TV and screen time
          • Use “Tummy Time” when awake
          • Calm by stroking head, gentle rocking, walking with baby in stroller
          • Never hit or shake baby

          Four Month Visit

          The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the four-month-old milestone.

          Does your baby…

          Social Language / Self-help

          • Laugh out loud?
          • Look for you when your baby is upset?

          Verbal Language

          • Turn towards voices?
          • Make longer cooing sounds?

          Gross Motor

          • Push up on elbows and wrists during tummy time?
          • Rolls over from stomach to back?

          Fine Motor

          • Keep the baby’s hands open?
          • Grasp toys?
          • Play with toys with two hands?

            Try this…

            • Stay calm.
            • Keep up the good work! Practice your soothing techniques.
            • Work together.
            • Spend time talking and playing.
            • Avoid TV and screen time.
            • Use “Tummy Time” when awake.
            • Begin differentiating between quiet times (“reading or singing”) and active times (Tummy time”).
            • Develop a routine.

            Six Month Visit

            The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the six-month-old milestone.

            Does your baby…

            Social Language / Self-help

            • Pat or smile at their reflections?
            • Look when their name is called?

            Verbal Language

            • Babble?
            • Make sounds like “ga”, “ma”, “ba”?

            Gross Motor

            • Roll over from back to stomach?
            • Sit briefly with support?

            Fine Motor

            • Pass a toy from one hand to another?
            • Rake small objects with 4 fingers?
            • Bang small objects on a surface?

              Try this…

              • Engage in interactive, reciprocal play.  Talk, sing, read, and play games.
              • Avoid TV and screen time.
              • Continue regular daily routines; put the baby to sleep awake but drowsy.
              • Continue calming strategies.

              nine Month Visit

              The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the nine-month-old milestone.

              Does your baby…

              Social Language / Self-help

              • Wave Hi and Bye?
              • Reach arms out to be picked up?
              • Looks for toys that drop?
              • Play peek-a-boo?
              • Turns consistently when their name is called?

              Verbal Language

              • Say “Dada” or “mama”?
              • Look around if you ask “Where is your ____?”
              • Copy sounds that you make?

              Gross Motor

              • Sit well without support?
              • Pulls itself up to stand?
              • Sits up from laying and lays from sitting?
              • Crawl on hands and knees?

              Fine Motor

              • Pick up food?
              • Uses fingers and thumbs to pick things up?
              • Let go of objects on purpose?
              • Bang objects together?

                Try this…

                • Keep up with your routine!
                • Encouraging your baby to explore.
                • Read about appropriate expectations.
                • Be aware of how your baby reacts to new situations.
                • Play with cause and effect toys.
                • Talk, read, and sing together.
                • Consider making a plan for screen time.

                twelve Month Visit

                The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the twelve-month-old milestone.

                Does your baby…

                Social Language / Self-help

                • Look for hidden objects?
                • Imitate new gestures?

                Verbal Language

                • “Dada” or “mama”?
                • Uses 1 other word that is not a name?
                • Follow directions such as “give me your toy”?

                  Gross Motor

                  • Take first steps?
                  • Stand without support?

                  Fine Motor

                  • Drop an object in a cup?
                  • Pick up a small object with just a finger and thumb?
                  • Pick up food?

                    Try this…

                    • Keep up with your routine!
                    • Keep up with positive discipline strategies.
                    • Praise your baby for things you like.
                    • Spend time together every day.
                    • Continue 1 nap a day.
                    • Establish bedtime routines
                    • Make a plan for screen time.

                    fifteen Month Visit

                    The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the fifteen-month-old milestone.

                    Does your baby…

                    Social Language / Self-help

                    • Pretend to write or draw?
                    • Drink from a cup?
                    • Point to ask for something or to get help?
                    • Look around when they hear “Where’s your ball?” or “Where’s your blanket?”

                    Verbal Language

                    • Use 3 words other than names?
                    • Speak in sounds like an unknown language?
                    • Follow directions that do not include a gesture?

                    Gross Motor

                    • Squat to pick up objects?
                    • Crawl up a few steps?
                    • Run?

                    Fine Motor

                    • Make marks with a crayon?
                    • Drop objects in, and take objects out of a container?

                      Try this…

                      • Allow your child to choose between 2 options that are accessible to you.
                      • Speak reassuringly to your child.  Stranger anxiety and separation anxiety reflect new cognitive gains.
                      • Take time for yourself and your partner.  Connect with other parents.
                      • Use simple and clear words or phrases to promote language development and improve communication.

                      Eighteen Month Visit

                      The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the eighteen-month-old milestone.

                      Does your baby…

                      Social Language / Self-help

                      • Play with others?
                      • Help dress and undress self?
                      • Point to draw attention to objects of interest?
                      • Turn and look at you when something new happens?
                      • Begin to use a spoon to scoop?
                      • Use words to ask for help?

                      Verbal Language

                      • ID 2 body parts?
                      • Name at least 5 familiar objects?

                      Gross Motor

                      • Walk up steps with 2 feet per step?
                      • Sit in a small chair
                      • Carry a toy while walking?

                      Fine Motor

                      • Scribble spontaneously?
                      • Throw a small ball a few feet while standing?

                        Try this…

                        • Expect anxiety and clinging in new situations.
                        • Spend special time with your child every day.
                        • Make a plan for difficult situations, try new things to make them easier.
                        • Be consistent.
                        • Continue to try new foods. Let your toddler experiment.
                        • Read and sing with your child.
                        • Talk about feelings!
                        • Simple commands will help lessen confusion.
                        • Make time for technology-free play every day.

                        Two Year Visit

                        The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the two-year-old milestone.

                        Does your baby…

                        Social Language / Self-help

                        • Play with other kids?
                        • Take off some clothes?
                        • Scoop well with spoons?

                        Verbal Language

                        • Use 50 words?
                        • Combine 2 words into phrases and sentences?
                        • Follow 2-step commands?
                        • Name at least 5 body parts?
                        • Speak in words that are 50% understandable to strangers?

                        Gross Motor

                        • Kick a ball?
                        • Jumps off the ground with 2 feet?
                        • Run smoothly?
                        • Climb a ladder at the playground?

                        Fine Motor

                        • Stack objects?
                        • Turn pages?
                        • Turn doorknobs?
                        • Open lids?
                        • Draw lines?

                          Try this…

                          • Praise good behavior.
                          • Listen to your child, and show them respect.
                          • Help your child express feelings such as joy, anger, sadness, frustration.
                          • Encourage your child to play independently for up to 60 minutes a day.
                          • Make time for learning through reading, talking, signing, and exploration.
                          • Limit TV.
                          • Speak clearly to model language.
                          • Read and look at books every day!

                          Two and a half year Visit

                          The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the two-and-a-half-year-old milestone.

                          Does your baby…

                          Social Language / Self-help

                          • Urinate on potty or toilet?
                          • Beginning fork eating?
                          • Wash and dry hands?
                          • Using imagination more?
                          • Say “Look at me!”

                          Verbal Language

                          • Use pronouns correctly?

                            Gross Motor

                            • Walk up steps, alternate feet?
                            • Run well without falling?

                            Fine Motor

                            • Copy a vertical line?
                            • Hold crayon with thumb and fingers instead of fist?
                            • Catch large balls?

                              Try this…

                              • Find and maintain routines:
                                • Mealtimes
                                • Bedtimes
                              • Family outings (museums, zoos, stores).
                              • Maintain friends.
                              • Be on the same page with rules, boundaries and limits.
                              • Read together.
                              • Listen when the child speaks and repeat them using good grammar.
                              • Encourage play with other kids.
                              • Give your child 2 appropriate choices.
                              • Limit TV
                              • Start considering preschool.
                              • Dress your child in clothes that are easy for them to dress themselves.

                              Three year Visit

                              The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the three-year-old milestone.

                              Does your baby…

                              Social Language / Self-help

                              • Potty independently?
                              • Dress self in coat or shirt?
                              • Eat independently?
                              • Use imagination?
                              • Share?

                              Verbal Language

                              • Use 3-word sentences?
                              • Speak in words that are 75% understandable to strangers?
                              • Tell you a story from a book or TV?
                              • Compare things (Ex. bigger, shorter)
                              • Understand simple prepositions (“on” or “under”)?

                                Gross Motor

                                • Pedal a tricycle?
                                • Climb on and off couch or chair?
                                • Jump forward?

                                Fine Motor

                                • Draw a circle?
                                • Draw a person with a head and 1 body part?
                                • Cut with child scissors?

                                  Try this…

                                  • Check with community agencies for support/needs.
                                  • Ask your child: “Who loves you? How do you know?”
                                  • Be there to support your child’s friendships by encouraging turn-taking and playing interactive games.
                                  • Read with your child.
                                  • Encourage your child to talk about friends, and experiences.
                                  • Limit TV and screen time.

                                  four year Visit

                                  The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the four-year-old milestone.

                                  Does your baby…

                                  Social Language / Self-help

                                  • Potty independently?
                                  • Brush teeth?
                                  • Dress and undress?
                                  • Use imagination with other children?

                                  Verbal Language

                                  • Use 4-word sentences?
                                  • Speak in words that are understandable to strangers?
                                  • Draw pictures that you can recognize?
                                  • Follow simple rules when playing games?
                                  • Tell you a story from a book?

                                  Gross Motor

                                  • Skip on 1 foot?
                                  • Climb stairs, alternation feet without support?

                                  Fine Motor

                                  • Draw a person with at least 3 body parts?
                                  • Draw a simple cross?
                                  • Button and unbutton?
                                  • Hold a pencil with the thumb and fingers instead of fist?

                                    Try this…

                                    • Check with community agencies for support/needs.
                                    • Join the community!
                                    • Read together with your child.
                                    • Give your child time to finish their sentences.
                                    • Keep your answers short and simple.
                                    • Praise your child for being aware of others’ feelings.
                                    • Brush teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
                                    • Create a calm bedtime ritual.
                                    • Enjoy mealtimes without TV.

                                    Five and Six year Visits

                                    The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the five and six year milestones.

                                    Does your child…

                                    • Balance on one foot?
                                    • Hop?
                                    • Skip?
                                    • Tie a knot?
                                    • Draw a person with at least 6 body parts?
                                    • Print some letters and numbers?
                                    • Follow simple directions?
                                    • Dress independently?

                                      Try this…

                                      • Talk to your child about bullying.
                                      • Encourage independence.
                                      • Spend time and make time to talk.
                                      • Check with community agencies for support/needs.
                                      • Read together with your child.
                                      • Give your child time to finish their sentences.
                                      • Keep your answers short and simple.
                                      • Praise your child for being aware of others’ feelings.
                                      • Brush teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste.
                                      • Create a calm bedtime ritual.
                                      • Enjoy mealtimes without TV.

                                      Seven and Eight year Visits

                                      The information below can help parents and caregivers understand how to support their child’s healthy development at the five and six year milestones.

                                      Does your child…

                                      • Have caring and supporting relationships with family and friends?
                                      • Eat well?
                                      • Stay active?

                                        Try this…

                                        • Talk with your child.
                                        • “What do you like best about school?”
                                        • “Who do you talk to about your worries or things that make you mad?”
                                        • “What would you do if you were on a website that scared you?”
                                        • Eat together as a family.
                                        Young children playing with blocks

                                        Additional Resources for Parents and Caregivers

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                                        The Mental Health Action Team

                                        The Mental Health Action Team is made up of parents, caregivers, and organizations that serve children or provide youth mental health services. Our team meets regularly and works together to identify and implement strategies to improve mental health outcomes for young children in Forsyth County. Learn More.

                                        Participating Organizations

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                                        Amos Cottage

                                        Brenner Children's Wake Forest Baptist Health Logo

                                        Children’s Developmental Services Agency (CDSA)

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                                        Child Care Resource Center

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                                        Crossnore School and Children’s Home

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                                        The Department of Family and Community Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center

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                                        Family Services, Inc.

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                                        Forsyth Futures

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                                        Imprints Cares

                                        Mental Health Association logo

                                        Mental Health Association

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                                        Novant Health

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                                        The Parenting Path

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                                        School Health Alliance for Forsyth County

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                                        Winston-Salem / Forsyth County Schools