A child's growth not only involves the length and weight of his or her body, but also internal growth and development.

As much as parents might want to hurry their little ones to the next stage of development, most children follow the same general growth and development pattern that can't be changed much.

Because most brain development takes place after birth, parents have many opportunities to contribute to the brain's healthy development.

Parents need to realize the rational part of a teen’s brain isn’t fully developed and won’t be until he or she is 25 years old or so.

At this stage of growth, your baby will gain 1-1/2 to 2 pounds in weight and more than an inch in height each month.

Your child can now says da-da and ma-ma, and possibly two other words, as well. He or she can also make a simple gesture such as shaking the head.

Your child is a toddler now and very active! He or she can climb stairs while holding on and play with push and pull toys.

Speech at this age is becoming clearer. Your child has a vocabulary of 200 to 300 words and can tell his or her age and name.

Most 3-year-olds have lost the rounded tummy of a toddler. Your child can use a spoon well and can wash and dry his or her hands.

This age is very social, and babies begin moving in much more purposeful ways.

A baby of this age rolls over easily from front to back and back to front, and bounces when supported to stand.

Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. Sexual maturation may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time.

In the first month of life, babies usually catch up and surpass their birthweight, then steadily continue to gain weight.

Children at this age begin to understand concepts and can compare abstract ideas.

Although friendships become more important at this age, children are still fond of their parents and like being part of a family.