Growth & Development Across the Lifespan

Know the expected milestones by age band: infants should achieve head control by 3–4 months, sit unsupported by 6–8 months, and walk independently by 12–15 months; stranger anxiety typically peaks around 6–8 months and is a normal, expected finding, not a red flag. Toddlers (Erikson's autonomy vs. shame/doubt) demonstrate parallel play and the classic "terrible twos" negativism. School-age children (industry vs. inferiority) benefit from concrete explanations and mastery-building tasks. Adolescents (identity vs. role confusion) prioritize peer acceptance, and privacy during history-taking is often the correct answer when a teen's concern involves sensitive topics.