Perspectives on Parenting - VI

VI.  GOVERNMENT GUIDELINES FOR CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT:

AGE 1 

• should be weaned completely off breastmilk and/or formula from a bottle.
• eating solids.
• crawling.
• sitting.
• standing.
• differentiating between family and strangers.
• have an established daily routine and sleeping pattern.

AGE 2 

• should be completely weaned off a pacifier/thumb sucking.
• feeding themselves.
• walking.
• potty training.
• identifying shapes, colors, letters, numbers and animals.
• communicating coherently.
• able to cope with separation anxiety.
• able to respond to teaching television programs.

AGE 3 

• should be able to use the bathroom independently.
• able brush their own teeth.
• able to draw on a blank sheet of paper.
• able to associate words with objects.
• able to entertain self with imagination play.
• able to communicate when hungry or thirsty, tired or sick, bored or lonely.
• able to play with other children of the same age.
• able to share toys.
• able to manipulate building blocks.
• should be aware of gender differences, but not be obsessed with them.

AGE 4 

• should be able to dress themselves independently.
• speak in full sentences.
• spell words.
• count objects.
• able to make own bed.
• able to throw a ball.
• able to work with clay.
• able to communicate on the telephone coherently.
• able to develop a hobby.

AGE 5 

• should be able to kick a ball.
• able to pour from a pitcher into a cup.
• able to add and subtract single digit math equations.
• able to write their first name.
• know their last name.
• know the names of their family members.
• know the name of their doctor and know how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

AGE 6 

• should be able to identify simple weights and measures.
• able to add and subtract double-digit math equations.
• able to use a computer with a keyboard and mouse.
• able to navigate a webpage.
• able to read an age-appropriate book from cover to cover.
• able to name the seasons.
• able to do additional chores.
• able to catch a ball.
• able to show interest in a hobby.

AGE 7 

• should be able to identify ethnic cultures.
• able to tell time, able to read a calendar.
• know how to navigate a map from point A to point B.
• able to add and subtract triple-digit math equations.
• able to read and follow instructions.
• able to prepare simple foods.
• able to retell a story.
• know pedestrian and transportation rules.

AGE 8 

• should be able to multiply single digit math equations.
• know the names of nations.
• able to write in complete sentences.
• able to name the species of the animal kingdom.
• able to jump rope.
• able to navigate through a dictionary or encyclopedia.
• should be prepared for the onset of puberty.

AGE 9 

• should be able to multiply double digit math equations.
• know the names of capital cities.
• able to write short paragraphs.
• able to make wise food choices.
• be able to care for a pet.
• prove responsible with a computer.

AGE 10 

• should be able to name the various labor industries.
• able to name weather patterns.
• be thinking about a career direction.
• able to write letters to friends and family.
• able to grasp the concept of money transactions.
• able to shop from a shopping list.
• able to control impulses and cravings. 

AGE 11 

• should be able to keep to a schedule.
• able to practice good hygiene.
• able to think safety first.
• able to discuss major issues with an adult.
• able to prepare a full course meal for setting of four people or more.
• able to develop multiple hobbies.

AGE 12 

• should be able to show compassion for others.
• able to do chores without supervision.
• able to study independently.
• able to follow rules without coaching.
• able to comprehend complex instructions.
• able to complete homework assignments in a timely fashion.

AGE 13 

• should be aware of sexual education, but not be obsessed with it.
• able to earn an allowance doing odd jobs for others.
• able to self-medicate safely.
• able to handle money responsibly.

AGE 14

• able to meet deadlines.
• able to research a matter thoroughly.
• able to begin exploring vocational opportunities.
• able to participate in a student exchange program.

AGE 15

• able to obtain a driver's permit.
• able to obtain a worker's permit.
• able to work a part-time job.

AGE 16

• able to obtain a bank account in own name.
• able to obtain driver's license.
• able to begin taking extra-curricular courses at a community college.

AGE 17

• able to apply to the military.
• able to apply for scholarships to universities.

AGE 18

• able to apply for a credit card.
• able to apply for a bank loan.
• able to obtain a marriage license.