Find resources / Group parenting programme / Child development Module 2

Children's development follows an orderly and predictable pattern. The behaviour we can realistically expect from children is mainly determined by their current stage in their development, and the context in which the behaviour is taking place.

From birth to 3 years old, a human baby goes from being totally reliant on their whānau to meet all their needs, to a little independent person wanting to do many things for and by themselves. They've become an active moving, climbing, running jumping and agile child.

• Understand how children grow and develop.
• Enjoy children’s development and have realistic expectations of them.
• Provide children with age-appropriate activities.

Begin the session with an appropriate settling in time – for example, karakia, gathering of thoughts, waiata, simple ‘hellos’. Whānau may share news, thoughts or feelings, if they wish.

Find waiata for your session

Introduce the topic – today we’re going to spend time thinking about how your baby's behaviour changes as they get older and the role we, as parents, can play in supporting pēpi through each exciting new phase of development

Mix and match from the pūtea of related workshops below. Consider the following when selecting which ones will work best for your group:

• the size of your group
• how much time you have
• the ages of the participants’ children
• factors such as literacy levels and the particular needs of the individuals you are working with.

As children develop, their behaviour changes, just like their bodies do. When whānau recognise these changes, they can adapt to them and encourage ongoing development.

Understanding and responding well to these changes can help whānau to:

• see how changes in children’s behaviour are part of growing up
• enjoy their children’s changes
• have realistic expectations of their tamariki
• provide opportunities and experiences that support their children’s development
• parent in ways that keep every whānau member feeling good about themselves.

Each child is unique, and responds uniquely to their developmental changes. Relationships between each parent and child are also unique.