When it comes to how kids think and understand the world, it's pretty exciting to see them grow. Here are some important thinking skills that parents can watch for as their child gets older:

Infancy (0-12 months)

• Object Permanence: Around 4 to 7 months, babies start to realize that things still exist even when they can’t see them.
• Exploration: From 8 to 12 months, babies explore their surroundings. They learn about cause and effect, like shaking toys to see what happens.

Toddlerhood (1-3 years)

• Language Development: Between 1 and 2 years, your child will say a few words and follow simple commands. By age 2, they can start putting words together to make simple sentences.
• Pretend Play: As they get closer to 3 years old, you’ll notice them playing pretend, which shows they can use imagination and ideas.

Early Childhood (3-6 years)

• Understanding of Time: Kids begin to learn about time, like the difference between morning, afternoon, and night.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Around ages 4 to 5, they start solving simple problems and can follow a series of instructions.

Middle Childhood (6-12 years)

• Logical Thinking: This is when kids start thinking in a more logical way, usually around ages 6 or 7.
• Memory and Attention: By ages 7 to 8, kids get better at remembering things and can pay attention for longer. This helps them understand stories and follow instructions.

Adolescence (12-18 years)

• Abstract Thought: When they turn 12, teens start to think about ideas that aren’t just about what’s in front of them. They can think about what could happen in the future.
• Critical Thinking: From ages 15 to 18, teens learn to look at different viewpoints, make good arguments, and understand difficult topics.

General Tips for Parents:

• Observe Play: Watch how your child plays. Are they making up stories or using toys in creative ways?
• Engage in Conversations: Talk with your child and ask questions that make them think and share their ideas.
• Encourage Exploration: Give them chances to solve problems through games and activities that challenge their thinking skills.

Watching kids grow and develop these skills is a wonderful journey. Knowing about these milestones can really help you support their learning!