{"id":1976,"date":"2024-01-22T17:10:14","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T17:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/?p=1976"},"modified":"2024-04-23T14:10:59","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T14:10:59","slug":"nurturing-childs-growth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/","title":{"rendered":"Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth: A Guide to Early Childhood Development"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--themify_builder_content-->\n<div id=\"themify_builder_content-1976\" data-postid=\"1976\" class=\"themify_builder_content themify_builder_content-1976 themify_builder tf_clear\">\n    \t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_akj4678 tb_first tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_j13s679 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_subrow themify_builder_sub_row tb_zj6c43 tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"subrow_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column sub_column col-full tb_dnrr44 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_mg7a634   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p class=\"text-body\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">As parents, educators, or therapists, we all share one common goal &#8211; we want the children in our care to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. The first few years of a child&#8217;s life are marked with several critical stages of development that lay the foundation for the rest of their life. As children go through their developmental journey, they acquire skills that are essential for success in later stages of life. From <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/speech-therapy\/\">speech and language<\/a><\/strong> to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/occupational-therapy\/\">motor skills and sensory processing<\/a><\/strong>, early childhood development is a time when we can nurture growth and provide children with the support they need to become confident and empowered little leaders. In this blog, I will break down for you some important areas of your kiddo\u2019s development: <\/span><\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_p7r5295   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <ol>\n<li>\n<div><strong><a href=\"#speech\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Speech and Language<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div><strong><a href=\"#fine-motor\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Fine Motor Skills<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div><strong><a href=\"#gross-motor\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Gross Motor Skills<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div><strong><a href=\"#sensory\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Sensory Processing<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li>\n<div><strong><a href=\"#feeding\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Feeding Skills<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_tak5324 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<script src=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script>\n<a class=\"book_a_free_consult\" href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_nw07275 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-top: 50px;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_jzbu59   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"speech\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong><span lang=\"EN-US\">Speech and Language:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-body\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Language is the <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">primary means of communication<\/span>, and speech and language skills are crucial for social and cognitive development. To help children develop speech and language, parents and caregivers can engage in activities like reading aloud, singing songs, and my all time favorite, PLAY. Play is a simple way to encourage language development all while connecting with your kiddo. Early language skills pave the way for success in reading, writing, comprehension, and social-emotional skills later in life. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_h2qu373 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_g2y1273   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"fine-motor\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Fine Motor Skills: <\/span><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-body\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Fine motor refers to the <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ability to make precise movements with hands and fingers<\/span>. In early childhood, fine motor skills are needed for activities like self-feeding, tying shoelaces, getting dressed, and drawing. To develop fine motor skills, children can practice using scissors, play dough, building blocks, or stringing beads. Parents can also provide opportunities for finger painting, drawing, coloring, and other art activities. These activities can help children develop the hand-eye coordination and dexterity they need for everyday tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_404u857 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_9g8l391   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"gross-motor\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Gross Motor Skills:<\/span><\/h3>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-body\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Gross motor refers to the <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ability to move and control large muscle groups in the body<\/span>, such as running, jumping, climbing, and throwing. To encourage gross motor development, parents can provide plenty of space for children to play and run around. Outdoor activities like playing catch, hopping, or skipping, can also help to develop gross motor skills. Additionally, swimming, dance, or yoga are great activities that strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_r5hx793 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_1s9u240   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"sensory\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Sensory Processing: <\/span><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-body\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Sensory processing is the <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">way the nervous system receives and interprets sensory information from the environment<\/span>. Children who have difficulty processing sensory information may struggle with things like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. Parents and caregivers can create a sensory-rich environment that includes a variety of textures, sounds, and colors. For example, sand, water, or mud play can help children develop their sense of touch, while playing with musical instruments can stimulate their sense of hearing. By providing a sensory-rich environment, children can learn to regulate their responses to different sensory stimuli.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_dd93392 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_0hu616   \" data-lazy=\"1\" id=\"feeding\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Feeding Skills: <\/span><\/h3>\n<div>\n<p class=\"text-body\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">Feeding skills are crucial for a child&#8217;s growth and development. Infants need to develop the <span style=\"font-weight: bold;\">ability to suck, swallow, and breathe in coordination when feeding<\/span>. As children grow older, they learn to self-feed, use utensils, and drink from a cup. To encourage healthy feeding habits, parents can expose children to different textures, flavors, and food types. Modeling healthy eating habits and providing a variety of healthy foods can also help children develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module divider -->\n<div  class=\"module tf_mw module-divider tb_uutr985 solid   \" style=\"border-width: 1px;border-color: #e7b371;margin-bottom: 25px;\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n    <\/div>\n<!-- \/module divider -->\n<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_qj2g297   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <p class=\"text-body\">Early childhood development is a time when parents and caregivers can provide the support and guidance children need to reach their full potential. By nurturing growth in areas like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/speech-therapy\/\">speech and language<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/occupational-therapy\/\">fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and feeding skills<\/a><\/strong>, we can help children develop the skills they need to succeed in later stages of life. Encouraging parent-child interaction, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery, and creating a safe and nurturing environment are vital for healthy development. By working together, we can help our children thrive and fulfill their potential.<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text --><!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_70o1819   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <div>\n<p class=\"text-body\"><span lang=\"EN-US\">To find out more ways we can support you and your little one on this journey, reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .subrow_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .themify_builder_sub_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_s78s776 tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_1 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col-full tb_ckmn777 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module plain text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-plain-text tb_ul3p293 \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n\t<div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\">\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<script src=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.js\" type=\"text\/javascript\"><\/script>\n<a class=\"book_a_free_consult\" href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module plain text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_a910277 tf_w tf_clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_top tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_3ze8277 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_ffo9228   image-top tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n\t\t    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1667\" src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-265\" title=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar-min\" alt=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/>\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n    \t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-2 tb_wpyu277 last\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_bqqh294   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <div class=\"module module-text tb_r8ed333\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<div class=\"module module-text tb_myfh459\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<h2><span style=\"color: #7db4be;\">SHOLEH SHAHINFAR<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"module module-text tb_sjrp460\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<h5><span style=\"color: #7db4be;\">M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT<\/span><\/h5>\n<p>Sholeh Shahinfar is the Founder of Valued Voices, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Child Communication Specialist and Certified Oral Motor Therapist. She is passionate about uplifting children\u2019s voices in the world and inspiring self-expression. In her free time, Sholeh embraces a vegan lifestyle, loves going to the ocean, exploring nature with her pup Kobe, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<!-- module_row -->\n\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_row themify_builder_row tb_d1f7715 tf_w tf_clearfix hide-desktop hide-tablet hide-tablet_landscape hide-mobile\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row_inner col_align_middle col_auto_height tb_col_count_2 tf_box tf_rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-1 tb_703m715 first\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module image -->\n<div  class=\"module module-image tb_t2p6792   image-top tf_mw\" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div class=\"image-wrap tf_rel tf_mw\">\n\t\t    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"879\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp\" class=\"wp-post-image wp-image-596\" title=\"Genna-2\" alt=\"Genna\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp 879w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-220x300.webp 220w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-750x1024.webp 750w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-768x1048.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px\" \/>\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<!-- \/image-wrap -->\n    \n    \t<\/div>\n<!-- \/module image -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t<div  data-lazy=\"1\" class=\"module_column tb-column col3-2 tb_lw7r106 last\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"tb-column-inner tf_box tf_w\">\n\t\t\t\t<!-- module text -->\n<div  class=\"module module-text tb_hnnf974   \" data-lazy=\"1\">\n        <div  class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n    <div class=\"module module-text tb_r8ed333\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<h2><span style=\"color: #7db4be;\">GENNA HENDERSON<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"module module-text tb_lvuq003\">\n<div class=\"tb_text_wrap\">\n<p>Genna has been with Valued Voices since 2019, she joined the family after graduating with her bachelor\u2019s degree in sociology and a minor in communication sciences and disorders from Pacific University in Oregon. Genna has always been passionate about helping give opportunities to others and believes all children have a joyous light inside them that deserves to be shown to the world. She knows that giving people the chance to express themselves allows them to reach new heights internally and in their communities.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/p>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/module text -->\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .tb-column-inner -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_column -->\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .row_inner -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .module_row -->\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<!--\/themify_builder_content-->\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wordpress-717089-3571350.cloudwaysapps.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Oral_Motor_Intervention-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In this blog, I will break down for you some important areas of your kiddo\u2019s development: Speech and Language, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing, Feeding Skills.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1981,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,6],"tags":[518,175,521,421,65,114,462,517,519,27,520,514,120,205,55],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth | Valued Voices Therapy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore key aspects of your child&#039;s growth: Speech, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing, and Feeding in this insightful blog.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth | Valued Voices Therapy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore key aspects of your child&#039;s growth: Speech, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing, and Feeding in this insightful blog.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Valued Voices Therapy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/valuedvoicestherapy\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-01-22T17:10:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-04-23T14:10:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Early-Childhood-Development-Guide-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1707\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sholeh Shahinfar\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sholeh Shahinfar\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth | Valued Voices Therapy","description":"Explore key aspects of your child's growth: Speech, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing, and Feeding in this insightful blog.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth | Valued Voices Therapy","og_description":"Explore key aspects of your child's growth: Speech, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing, and Feeding in this insightful blog.","og_url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/","og_site_name":"Valued Voices Therapy","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/valuedvoicestherapy\/","article_published_time":"2024-01-22T17:10:14+00:00","article_modified_time":"2024-04-23T14:10:59+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1707,"url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Early-Childhood-Development-Guide-scaled.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Sholeh Shahinfar","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Sholeh Shahinfar","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/"},"author":{"name":"Sholeh Shahinfar","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/person\/350e58a3e110f80b02b08134e8d2046e"},"headline":"Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth: A Guide to Early Childhood Development","datePublished":"2024-01-22T17:10:14+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-23T14:10:59+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/"},"wordCount":847,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Early-Childhood-Development-Guide-scaled.jpg","keywords":["ability","child","control","development","expression","feeding","fine motor","gross motor skills","habits","kids","move","nurturing","sensory processing","speaking","speech and language development"],"articleSection":["Child Communication Development","Speech Therapy"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/","name":"Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth | Valued Voices Therapy","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Early-Childhood-Development-Guide-scaled.jpg","datePublished":"2024-01-22T17:10:14+00:00","dateModified":"2024-04-23T14:10:59+00:00","description":"Explore key aspects of your child's growth: Speech, Fine Motor Skills, Gross Motor Skills, Sensory Processing, and Feeding in this insightful blog.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Early-Childhood-Development-Guide-scaled.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Early-Childhood-Development-Guide-scaled.jpg","width":2560,"height":1707,"caption":"Early Childhood Development Guide"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/nurturing-childs-growth\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Nurturing Your Child\u2019s Growth: A Guide to Early Childhood Development"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/","name":"Valued Voices","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#organization","name":"Valued Voices","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Valued-Voices-Logo-img-1.webp","contentUrl":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Valued-Voices-Logo-img-1.webp","width":320,"height":60,"caption":"Valued Voices"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/valuedvoicestherapy\/","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/valuedvoices\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/sholeh-shahinfar-2351555b\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/person\/350e58a3e110f80b02b08134e8d2046e","name":"Sholeh Shahinfar","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/196ebff498e71461b2cbc4e79331af0d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/196ebff498e71461b2cbc4e79331af0d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Sholeh Shahinfar"},"url":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/author\/sholeh\/"}]}},"builder_content":"<p>As parents, educators, or therapists, we all share one common goal - we want the children in our care to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential. The first few years of a child's life are marked with several critical stages of development that lay the foundation for the rest of their life. As children go through their developmental journey, they acquire skills that are essential for success in later stages of life. From <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/speech-therapy\/\">speech and language<\/a><\/strong> to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/occupational-therapy\/\">motor skills and sensory processing<\/a><\/strong>, early childhood development is a time when we can nurture growth and provide children with the support they need to become confident and empowered little leaders. In this blog, I will break down for you some important areas of your kiddo\u2019s development: <\/p>\n<ol> <li> <strong><a href=\"#speech\">Speech and Language<\/a><\/strong> <\/li> <li> <strong><a href=\"#fine-motor\">Fine Motor Skills<\/a><\/strong> <\/li> <li> <strong><a href=\"#gross-motor\">Gross Motor Skills<\/a><\/strong> <\/li> <li> <strong><a href=\"#sensory\">Sensory Processing<\/a><\/strong> <\/li> <li> <strong><a href=\"#feeding\">Feeding Skills<\/a><\/strong> <\/li> <\/ol>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<a href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"><strong>Speech and Language:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Language is the primary means of communication, and speech and language skills are crucial for social and cognitive development. To help children develop speech and language, parents and caregivers can engage in activities like reading aloud, singing songs, and my all time favorite, PLAY. Play is a simple way to encourage language development all while connecting with your kiddo. Early language skills pave the way for success in reading, writing, comprehension, and social-emotional skills later in life. <\/p>\n\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Fine Motor Skills: <\/h3>\n<p>Fine motor refers to the ability to make precise movements with hands and fingers. In early childhood, fine motor skills are needed for activities like self-feeding, tying shoelaces, getting dressed, and drawing. To develop fine motor skills, children can practice using scissors, play dough, building blocks, or stringing beads. Parents can also provide opportunities for finger painting, drawing, coloring, and other art activities. These activities can help children develop the hand-eye coordination and dexterity they need for everyday tasks.<\/p>\n\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Gross Motor Skills:<\/h3>\n<p>Gross motor refers to the ability to move and control large muscle groups in the body, such as running, jumping, climbing, and throwing. To encourage gross motor development, parents can provide plenty of space for children to play and run around. Outdoor activities like playing catch, hopping, or skipping, can also help to develop gross motor skills. Additionally, swimming, dance, or yoga are great activities that strengthen muscles and improve balance and coordination.<\/p>\n\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Sensory Processing: <\/h3>\n<p>Sensory processing is the way the nervous system receives and interprets sensory information from the environment. Children who have difficulty processing sensory information may struggle with things like loud noises, bright lights, or certain textures. Parents and caregivers can create a sensory-rich environment that includes a variety of textures, sounds, and colors. For example, sand, water, or mud play can help children develop their sense of touch, while playing with musical instruments can stimulate their sense of hearing. By providing a sensory-rich environment, children can learn to regulate their responses to different sensory stimuli.<\/p>\n\n<h3 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\">Feeding Skills: <\/h3>\n<p>Feeding skills are crucial for a child's growth and development. Infants need to develop the ability to suck, swallow, and breathe in coordination when feeding. As children grow older, they learn to self-feed, use utensils, and drink from a cup. To encourage healthy feeding habits, parents can expose children to different textures, flavors, and food types. Modeling healthy eating habits and providing a variety of healthy foods can also help children develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n<p>Early childhood development is a time when parents and caregivers can provide the support and guidance children need to reach their full potential. By nurturing growth in areas like <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/speech-therapy\/\">speech and language<\/a><\/strong>, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/occupational-therapy\/\">fine and gross motor skills, sensory processing, and feeding skills<\/a><\/strong>, we can help children develop the skills they need to succeed in later stages of life. Encouraging parent-child interaction, providing opportunities for exploration and discovery, and creating a safe and nurturing environment are vital for healthy development. By working together, we can help our children thrive and fulfill their potential.<\/p>\n<p>To find out more ways we can support you and your little one on this journey, reach out to us today for a complimentary consultation.<\/p>\n<link href=\"https:\/\/assets.calendly.com\/assets\/external\/widget.css\" rel=\"stylesheet\">\n<a href=\"\" onclick=\"Calendly.initPopupWidget({url: 'https:\/\/calendly.com\/valuedvoices\/'});return false;\" data-wpel-link=\"internal\" role=\"link\">Book Complimentary Consult<\/a>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg\" title=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar-min\" alt=\"Sholeh-Shahinfar\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min.jpg 2500w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Sholeh-Shahinfar-min-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/>\n<h2>SHOLEH SHAHINFAR<\/h2>\n<h5>M.A. CCC-SLP, RYT<\/h5> <p>Sholeh Shahinfar is the Founder of Valued Voices, a licensed Speech Language Pathologist, Child Communication Specialist and Certified Oral Motor Therapist. She is passionate about uplifting children\u2019s voices in the world and inspiring self-expression. In her free time, Sholeh embraces a vegan lifestyle, loves going to the ocean, exploring nature with her pup Kobe, practicing yoga, traveling, and spending time with her loved ones.\u00a0<\/p>\n<img src=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp\" title=\"Genna-2\" alt=\"Genna\" srcset=\"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2.webp 879w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-220x300.webp 220w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-750x1024.webp 750w, https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/Genna-2-768x1048.webp 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 879px) 100vw, 879px\" \/>\n<h2>GENNA HENDERSON<\/h2>\n<p>Genna has been with Valued Voices since 2019, she joined the family after graduating with her bachelor\u2019s degree in sociology and a minor in communication sciences and disorders from Pacific University in Oregon. Genna has always been passionate about helping give opportunities to others and believes all children have a joyous light inside them that deserves to be shown to the world. She knows that giving people the chance to express themselves allows them to reach new heights internally and in their communities.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/p>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1976"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1976"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1976\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2219,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1976\/revisions\/2219"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1981"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1976"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1976"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valuedvoices.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1976"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}