Child Development: A guide for practitioners

Child development is arguably the most fascinating and important human drama there is.

Every child is full of potential. Watching them grow , from their very first smile to the moment they ask “why?” – is a journey full of wonder. But for many caregivers and professionals, this journey also comes with questions:
Is this typical for their age?
Should they be talking by now?
What should I do if something feels off?

That’s why Dr. Ajay Sharma, a senior developmental pediatrician with over 30 years of experience, created Child Development: A Guide for Practitioners. It’s a simple, clear, and practical book to help you understand how children grow  and how to support them if they grow a little differently.

This guide is made for practitioners and caregivers working with children, especially in India. But it’s useful for anyone who wants to help children feel safe, supported, and seen.

How this guide is organised

The book is divided into three helpful parts, each offering insights that are easy to use in daily life or work with children:

Part 1: Understanding developing children and their potential

This section sets the foundation. It helps you understand what development really means — and how different children grow in different ways.

Dr. Sharma reminds us that while most children follow certain patterns of growth, some may take longer or need different kinds of support. And that’s okay. With the right care, love, and guidance, every child can be helped to discover their abilities.

Part 2: Exploring the areas of child development

In this section, the book breaks down development into different areas:

• Movement and posture (like sitting, walking, jumping)
• Smaller hand movements (like picking up tiny objects or drawing)
• Talking and understanding language
• Social and emotional skills (like sharing, showing feelings, forming bonds)
• Thinking and problem-solving
• Seeing, hearing, and using the senses
• Becoming more independent (like dressing or feeding themselves)

These areas often grow together, but sometimes one may move faster or slower than others. The book explains what to look for at different ages, in a simple way.

It also helps you notice early signs of delays  not to create fear, but to empower you to offer timely support.

For a quick reference, you can also use the Child Developmental Milestones booklet — an easy-to-use checklist that tracks progress from birth to 5 years. It includes common milestones and potential red flags, helping you keep an eye on what matters.

Part 3: Assessing development in a supportive way

Assessment doesn’t have to be clinical or cold. In fact, Dr. Sharma highlights how the best assessments begin with something simple: asking the right questions, and really listening to the answers.

This part also emphasizes partnership with families. It reminds us that parents are experts in their child’s day-to-day life  and working together makes a big difference.

Why this matters

Development is not just about walking and talking on time. It’s about how children explore the world, build relationships, and find their place in it.

By learning more about child development:

• We become better at noticing what’s going well
• We learn to offer help gently when something feels off
• We can celebrate differences, not fear them
  

Dr. Sharma’s book gives us tools —but also compassion and clarity. Whether you are a teacher, therapist, community worker, or parent, this guide will help you understand children with more curiosity and care.

Need support?

If you’re concerned about a child’s development  or want to learn more about conditions like Autism, ADHD, Down Syndrome, or other developmental differences, you’re not alone.

The Nayi Disha Helpline is here to support you. It’s completely FREE.

Call or WhatsApp us at 844-844-8996
Our team speaks many languages, including English, Hindi, Telugu, Malayalam, Gujarati, Bengali, and Marathi.

Whether it’s a question, a worry, or a need for information, we’re here to listen and help.

Disclaimer 

This guide is for information purposes only. It does not replace medical advice. Always speak with a professional health practitioner for proper health guidance.