Development changes are a result of both genetic and environmental factors. All children are different and there is no such thing as an average child, but there are several main features which could occur within each age range and these are described below. From birth to 2 years a child will physically develop the ability to recognise people, move around efficiently, run and even throw a ball. Intellectually the child will be able to concentrate on activities, talk and participate in "pretend play". They may, at this age, be able to enjoy music and use certain instruments to create this. They may also have begun to understand that other people have different likes and dislikes. The child will have progressed from mimicking sounds, through understanding simple words and sentences. By the time the child reaches 2, it will have a vocabulary of approximately 50 words which it will use in its communication. Despite only knowing these few words the child will understand a far greater number and will enjoy participating in conversations. Emotionally the child will learn to smile. It will pass from being extremely trusting of anyone, to becoming more wary of people and may also experience distress if removed from familiar people or carers. They will become increasingly aware of other peoples moods and may also try to imitate these. Children around this age may become distressed about things that they are not sure of and at this time in their life, may develop deep phobias. Their sense of self identity is developing, as is their memory. Socially the child has progressed through enjoying the closeness of cuddles, through to the independence of a 2 year old who, with their increasing mobility and understanding, may be able to feed and dress themselves.
Children from 3 to 5 years will have learnt how to walk, run, jump, use equipment, catch, kick and throw a ball.