Supporting your child's development: 0–8 years

Development is how babies and children grow physically and emotionally and learn to communicate, think and socialise.

In the early years, babies and children learn and develop through play and interacting with others.

For older children, learning and development is encouraged through play, as well as through more structured educational and creative activities, and socialising with peers.

Learn about ways to support your child’s development at different ages.

For babies and children aged 0–4 years

For children aged 5–8 years

Explore the topics below for helpful information and resources to support your child's development.

Most children find it hard to pay attention, manage big feelings or control impulsive behaviour some of the time.

The Child Development Service has developed resources to support families of school aged children (over 5 years) who experience difficulties with attention, regulation and concentration.

Strong and positive family relationships are essential for children to feel loved, secure, and confident.

For more information on creating positive family relationships visit the following links:

Healthy eating habits start early and set children up for life.

Be a role model for the healthy eating habits that you want your child to develop.

Age specific information about healthy eating

Baby nutrition: solids and drinks | Raising Children Network

Toddler nutrition: daily food guides | Raising Children Network

Healthy food groups for children 5-8 years | Raising Children Network

Being a parent is joyful and amazing, but it can also be hard work.

There are a range of parenting services available to support families.

Through playing with your child, you help them learn skills like moving, thinking, speaking, socialising, and managing emotions.

Spend time each day reading and singing, and in active or outdoor play with your child.

Play ideas

Explore play ideas by using the links below.

Toy libraries

Families can borrow toys, puzzles, and games, much like borrowing books from a traditional library.

Find a toy library near you.

Playgroups

A group of parents, carers and extended family who come together with their babies and young children to learn together through play.

  • Playgroups in WA | Playgroup WA

    • Physical activity can start at a very early age as part of everyday play.

    Babies aged 0-12 months should have lots of free movement and floor play in a safe environment.

    Children 1-5 years need plenty of free time and space to run around and play.

    Older children benefit from unstructured play and activities like running, chasing and playground games, and may be ready for organised sport.

    Focus on activities that are fun for your child and family, as they’re more likely to want to keep doing it.

    Explore physical activity ideas by age using the links below.

    For more physical activity ideas

    For healthy development, it is important to manage your child's screen time.

    It is best to do screen time activities together with your child.

    Balance healthy screen time with other activities such as physical and outdoor play, reading and socialising, and creative activities.

    For information about managing screen time:

    The amount of sleep children need can vary a lot and can be different each day.

    See the links below for more information about sleep at different ages.

    Going to school for the first time is a big moment for you and your child. There are lots of things you can do to help your child prepare for school.

    Click on the links below to get some tips for a great start to school.

    You can support your child’s language development by talking with your child and responding to their efforts to communicate.

    Find out how you can support your child’s communication at different ages by exploring the links below.

    Reading and sharing books

    Reading books together with your child everyday helps to build language skills and strengthen your emotional bond.

    See the links below for tips about reading with your child and where you can borrow books for free.

    Activities at local libraries

    In addition to books, public libraries have free programs and activities. For ideas on how to use your local library to support your child's development visit:

    Learning to use the toilet is a significant milestone in your child’s development.

    Many children will start showing signs that they’re ready around the age of 2 years, but it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace. Some children may be showing signs they are ready as early as 18 months, many children will not be ready until they are 2½ or even 3.

    However much you want your child to use the toilet, it’s important to wait until your child is ready.

    Signs your child is ready to start using the toilet:

    • For daytime toileting they stay dry for at least 2 hours during the day­ or are still dry when they wake up after their afternoon nap.
    • When your child begins showing more independence, like following simple instructions such as ‘put your shoes on the shelf’.
    • They are able to sit still for a few minutes and pull their pants up and down by themselves.
    • They like being clean and get upset if their nappy is wet.
    • They tell you if they have wee or poo in their nappy, either by signs or words.
    • Or they show interest when you (or other family members) use the toilet.

    See the links below for more information about toileting.

    Preschoolers (18 months – 4 years)

    School age (4 – 12 years)

    Bedwetting services (5½ – 18 years)

    A referral by a health professional is required to access these bedwetting services. Your general practitioner (GP) or school health nurse is a great starting point if you have concerns.

    Last Updated: 25/08/2025