For parents

What Are Developmental Milestones?

Developmental milestones ⁽¹⁾ are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. Skills such as taking a first step, waving, or smiling for the first time are examples of developmental milestones.  

Question:

My daughter with mental disorders has no interest in passing junior year, keeping grades up and isn't concerned about her future. How do I help and avoid truancy?

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

I am sorry that you are going through this. If I am not mistaken, junior year means that your daughter is 16 or 17, right?

Question:

My son is 5 years and 6 months old. He has problems with academics and often forgets his stuff at school.

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

I am sorry to hear you are worried about your son.  

Question:

I have 13-year-old grandson living with me. I am struggling with getting him to school. There doesn't seem to be any issues at school like bullying, at bedtime he says he is going but the next morning he won't get up to go. He goes to bed at a good time but doesn't always sleep well. There have been trauma issues but overall, it seems that he is doing good. There is something I recently came across called Failure to Launch. This seems to describe part of his behavior.

Question:

My adhd son is giving me anxiety, please provide advice or help. I’m dealing with mental health issues already and don’t want to be overwhelmed

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

I am sorry to hear you that you are struggling. Parenting is hard and parenting a child with ADHD can be even tougher.  

The first few months of your baby’s life are fascinating. You will watch them change day by day. We have rounded ten simple infant activities that will help the development of your baby’s motor skills, language skills, and that will strengthen your bond.   

1. Tummy Time

For many people, parenthood comes as a huge shift (understatement!). However, some of us can find the transition to parenthood–from pregnancy, through the post-natal period and beyond into parenting–more challenging than others.  

This can be a difficult and unsettling experience if we don’t have an understanding of why we seem to be finding things harder than those around us. However, many of us are starting to realise that there might be a good reason why we have found the parenting journey particularly challenging–and it’s not because we are “bad parents”.  

Question:

My son is failing his subjects, he had to repeat grade 9 because he made low CGPA. Please assist as he doesn't seem to be bothered.

Dr. Ana’s Answer:

I am sorry to hear about this. It is not an easy situation to handle.  

Question:

A parent is struggling with their 15-year-old daughter's unkind behavior, lack of apology, and issues like vaping and self-harm. They've tried counseling and are seeking practical advice but feel overwhelmed and fearful.

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Question:

My 14-year-old niece is being very disruptive, and my sister is at her wits end. She has run away a couple times and the last time the police were involved. She was disrespectful to the police. She was eventually taken to short-term care. How can I help?