As a parent, you are the most important person in your child’s life. Research tells us that a child’s early years set the foundation for the rest of their life.
Here are some tips to ensure that your child is off to a good start.
- Give your child love and attention every day by talking, reading, and playing with your child.
- Comfort your child when they are upset, sick, or hurt.
- Learn what to expect and how to support your child’s development.
- Encourage safe play and exploration.
- Establish daily routines so that your child can predict what comes next and feel secure.
- All families can benefit from early learning and play groups, library and early literacy programs, developmental clinics, speech and language programs, quality child care, and parenting programs.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
To ensure that your child’s development is on track, all 18-month old children should see their health care provider for their 18-month well-baby visit to:
- Monitor your child’s growth.
- Check your child’s development using the Looksee Checklist.
- Discuss safety and nutrition.
- Address parenting concerns.
- Get the 18-month immunization.
Parents are no longer advised to take a “wait and see” approach when concerns are identified. Linking children to specialized services early on helps to ensure that they don’t fall behind, enabling them to develop to their full potential.
For more information:
Ontario’s Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit (Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services)
Ontario’s Enhanced 18-Month Well-Baby Visit (Mac Health)
Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit at 519.352.7270, extension 2903.
Last updated: March 2019