If you’ve got a little one under 6, you’re probably wondering what milestones they should be hitting. Developmental milestones are important markers which indicate your child’s growth and progress in areas such as language, motor skills and social interaction.
We have the honour of paediatrician Dr Nisa Khalil from ParkCity Medical Centre answering your questions in our latest Ask The Expert session. The loss of her young sister many years ago inspired her to become a doctor to be able to help sick young children. Today, Dr Nisa brings with her over 15 years of experience in the medical profession.
Read her responses to some of the burning questions sent in by our #makchicmumsquad:
Growth Issues
My girl is 2+ years old and the growth chart indicates that she’s way below the normal line. Her doctor has asked me to monitor her height until she turns 4 and to start on growth hormones. What can I do so that she’s growing normally?
Firstly, big hugs! It’s natural to worry, but remember, every child is unique and grows at their own pace. However, ensuring they’re on the right track is important. Here are some tips to support your child’s growth:
- Balanced Diet: Serve a rainbow on their plate! Ensure they get a mix of proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are superstars for bone health and growth.
- Stay Active: Let them run wild (well, not too wild)! Regular play and physical activities are great for developing strong bones and muscles.
- Sleepy Time: Your child’s growth hormones are busy at work while they sleep. Make sure your little one gets enough rest with a regular sleep routine.
- Regular Health Checks: Keep up with paediatric appointments to track their growth and overall health.
- Happy Environment: A loving, stress-free home does wonders. Your support and encouragement mean the world to them.
Remember, the growth chart is just one of many tools. Some kids are just late bloomers. But if your paediatrician suggests monitoring their growth or starting growth hormones, then it’s important to follow their advice.
Help! My kid is refusing to be potty trained
Is it normal if a kid refuses to potty train, even though he is 4 years old? When is the ideal time to start potty training and what can I do to encourage my child?
It’s perfectly normal to have questions about potty training, especially when your little one seems a bit reluctant. Let’s break this down:
Yes, it can be normal for some children to resist or not show interest in potty training, even at the age of 4. Children develop at their own pace, and this includes milestones like potty training. However, it’s also good to consider other factors, such as signs of readiness, consistency in approach, and any potential underlying issues that might be causing this delay.
Ideal Time for Potty Training: Typically, many children start showing readiness for potty training between 18 months and 3 years old. Signs of readiness include staying dry for longer periods, showing interest in the bathroom habits of others, and being able to follow simple instructions.
How to Encourage Your Child
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate small victories with lots of praise and maybe a reward system, like stickers.
- Consistency is Key: Keep a routine for bathroom breaks and encourage your child to try at regular intervals.
- Make it Fun: Sometimes, making the process enjoyable can ease resistance. Storybooks about potty training, colourful potties, or letting them choose their own underwear can make a big difference.
- Patience and Understanding: Avoid showing frustration or disappointment. Some kids take longer, and that’s okay.
- Lead by Example: If they see siblings or parents using the toilet, they might be more inclined to try it themselves.
- Communication: Talk to them about why using the potty is important in a simple and understandable way.
If you continue to face challenges or have concerns about underlying issues such as constipation, behavioural concerns, or developmental delays, it’s advisable to consult with a paediatrician for further guidance. Remember, every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Patience and encouragement are vital.
When kids touch themselves
My 2-year-old likes touching himself and this causes a physical reaction. Can children experience erections at such a young age? How do I approach this as a parent in a sensitive, yet understanding manner?
It’s absolutely normal for parents to have questions about their child’s physical development, including behaviours such as touching themselves. Let’s address your concerns in a straightforward and sensitive way.
Can Children Experience Erections at a Young Age? Yes, it is completely normal for young children, even toddlers, to experience erections. It’s a natural physiological response and can happen even in infancy.
Why Does This Happen?
- Physical Reaction: Erections in young children are usually just a physical reaction. They might happen randomly, or as a result of physical stimulation, like touching, their diaper being changed, or even a full bladder.
- Curiosity: Toddlers are naturally curious about their bodies. Exploring different body parts, including their genitals, is a normal part of this curiosity.
How to Approach This as a Parent
- Stay Calm: Remember, this is a normal part of development. Reacting strongly or with obvious discomfort might make your child feel ashamed or confused about their body.
- Set Boundaries: Gently teach your child about privacy. Explain that touching their private parts is something that should be done in private, like in their bedroom or bathroom.
- Keep It Simple: Use age-appropriate language. At 2 years old, a simple explanation is best.
- Monitor Behaviour: While self-exploration is normal, if you notice excessive focus on this behaviour, or it seems to be linked with other concerning behaviours or changes, it’s wise to talk to your paediatrician.
- Educating Your Child: As your child grows, continue to educate them about their body in an age-appropriate way. This sets the foundation for healthy self-awareness and body positivity.
Speech Development or Delay?
Do I need to focus on my child’s speech development, or will all toddlers eventually pick these skills up? What are some red flags that I should be aware of?
This is a great question and a common concern among parents. Let’s simplify this for a better understanding:
Should You Focus on Your Child’s Speech Development? Yes, it’s good to pay attention to how your child is learning to talk. Most toddlers do pick up speech skills as they grow, but some might need a little extra help.
What to Watch For
- Age 1-2 Years: By their first birthday, most toddlers say a few words and start to understand what you say to them. If your child isn’t using words like “mama” or “dada” by around 18 months, it’s something to take note of.
- Age 2-3 Years: Between 2 and 3 years, kids start putting words together into short sentences like “I want milk.” If your child is mostly using single words by their third birthday, it’s worth discussing with a doctor.
- Understanding: If your child seems to have trouble understanding simple instructions by age 2, like “bring the ball,” it might be a sign to check in with a healthcare professional.
- Clear Speech: By age 3, strangers should understand most of what your child says. If your child’s speech is hard to understand at this age, a speech therapist might help.
Ways to Support Your Child
- Talk and Listen: Have conversations with your child about what you’re doing together. Listen to them and respond, even if you don’t always understand every word.
- Read Together: Reading books together is a great way to introduce new words.
- Sing Songs: Songs and nursery rhymes are fun ways to learn language.
- Play: Playtime with other children can also encourage speech development.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace, but if you’re worried, there’s no harm in seeking advice from a paediatrician or a speech therapist.
Signs of Neurodivergence
What is your view on highly sensitive kids and the neurodivergent spectrum? How can I tell if my child is exhibiting signs of neurodivergence?
Highly Sensitive Kids: These little ones feel things deeply. They might not like loud noises or busy places and can get upset easily. They need extra hugs and a calm place to feel happy.
Neurodivergent Kids: This means kids whose brains work a bit differently. This can include autism or ADHD. These kids might have their own special ways of playing, learning, or talking. They’re not wrong, just different!
Signs Your Child Might Be Neurodivergent
- Playing Alone: Prefers to play by themselves instead of with other kids.
- Talking Later: Starts talking later than other kids their age.
- Sensitive to Sounds or Clothes: Doesn’t like loud noises or certain clothes might bother them.
- Really Into One Thing: Loves one toy, game, or topic a lot and knows everything about it.
- Likes Routine: Gets upset if their usual routine changes.
What You Can Do
- Watch and Learn: Notice what your child likes and doesn’t like.
- Talk to a Doctor: If you think your child is very different from others their age, a doctor can help.
- Make Home a Happy Place: Create a calm and loving home where your child feels safe.
- Celebrate Their Special Way: Love them for who they are, even if they are different.
Remember, every child is special in their own way. Love, patience, and understanding go a long way.
Building the Immune System
Post-MCO, my son falls sick easily – missing a week of school every couple of months. At what point do I need to worry about his immune system and what can I do to improve this situation?
It’s quite common for parents to have concerns about their child’s health, especially after extended periods at home, like during the Movement Control Order (MCO). Here’s a simple breakdown to understand and address your concerns:
When to Worry About His Immune System
- Frequent Illnesses: If your son is getting sick more often than his peers, it could be a sign to check his immune system.
- Severity and Duration: If his illnesses are more severe or last longer than usual, it might be time to consult a doctor.
- Other Symptoms: Look for signs like constant tiredness, poor growth, or frequent infections (like ear infections or pneumonia).
How to Improve His Situation
- Healthy Diet: Ensure he eats a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are full of nutrients that boost the immune system.
- Good Hygiene: Teach him to wash his hands regularly, which is one of the best ways to prevent illness.
- Adequate Sleep: Make sure he gets enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for a healthy immune system.
- Regular Exercise: Encourage physical activity. It helps keep the body strong and resistant to illness.
- Reduce Stress: Children can be affected by stress too. Fun and relaxation are important for his health.
- Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations: Check with your doctor to make sure his vaccinations are current.
Remember, it’s normal for kids returning to school to catch colds or other common illnesses, especially when their immune system is readjusting to being exposed to more germs. However, if you notice any unusual patterns or have concerns, it’s always a good idea to speak with your paediatrician.
Diet
My 5-year-old is very fussy with food. How do I tell the difference between picky eaters and problem feeders, and what can I do to improve my child’s nutrition?
When distinguishing between picky eaters and problem feeders, consider that picky eaters have a limited but still varied diet and will gradually try new foods, whereas problem feeders have a very restricted diet and strong negative reactions to new foods. To encourage better eating habits in picky eaters, try:
- Offering a variety of foods.
- Maintaining regular meal routines.
- Involving your child in meal preparation.
- Setting a good example by eating diverse foods yourself.
- Minimising distractions at mealtime. (no iPads or phones!)
- Avoiding pressuring them to eat.
- Praising their efforts to try new foods.
Remember, patience and consistency are key. For more serious concerns, consider consulting a paediatrician. And be kind to yourselves – remember that as a parent, you’re doing a fantastic job!
Follow Dr Nisa on Instagram and Tik Tok for more insight and helpful advice! We’ve also got more helpful articles for you mamas in your different challenges in raising the little ones.
- Toilet Training Tips for Parents
- Prepping My Neurodivergent Daughter for Government School (with tips and strategies for the transition)
- Ask the Expert with Headstart Academy: Raising Neurodiverse Children
- Ask the Expert with Ms Janice Cho: Feeding and Nutrition for Kids
Disclaimer: The information provided in this site, or through links to other sites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of a visit, consultation or the advice of your doctor or other healthcare provider. makchic is not liable or responsible for any advice, course of treatment, diagnosis or any other information, services or product you obtain through this site.
