Is my child normal?

One of the most common questions from parents is about whether their child is normal. Parents of babies and toddlers have many questions like:

• Is this behavior normal?
• Should my child be able to say more words by now?
• My child isn't walking yet. Is this normal?

Parents of older children also have concerns:

• My child is easily distracted and has trouble focusing.  Could this be ADHD? 
• My teen seems really withdrawn. Should I be doing something?
• My child seems really influenced by peer pressure.  Is this normal?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website has information on developmental milestones:

• Young Children (3 months to 5-years-old)
• Early Childhood (6 - 8 years old)
• Middle Childhood (9 - 11 years old)
• Early Adolescence (12 - 14 years old)
• Middle Adolescence (15 - 17 years old)

Understanding what is normal at each age can help you figure out if your child needs some special attention or if it's simply age appropriate behavior.