One of the most beautiful parts of life is that we are all different. Sure, as we age, we seek out friends and relationships with people who have similar views and values as we do, but we’re all unique in our own ways.  

One of the hardest things for us parents to grasp is this concept of “different,” because different means developments and milestones might not happen at the same time as every other child the same age.  Different isn’t bad, though.  Different is beautiful.   

But how do we know, as parents, when different should be concerning?  Some children take longer to learn to tie their shoes than others, while some take longer to develop the motor skills needed to dress themselves in the morning.  But when should these things start happening?  Understanding common timelines for development can definitely help parents manage their concerns. 

Deborah Gilboa, M.D. helps take the guessing work out of it.  She shared, with Parents.com, when certain milestones should really start taking place.  

Check out five of the most common ones below:

Getting Dressed On Their Own:  4 years old

Pouring liquids On Their Own: 4 years old 

Tying Shoelaces: 5 years old 

Using Grown Up Scissors: 5 years old

Wiping On Their Own In The Bathroom: 3 years old with spot checks from parents

Remember, readiness varies from child to child but these are general guidelines around the time these should start happening.  Use your best judgement and when in doubt it’s never a bad idea to consult a pediatrician for an expert opinion.