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Original poster

Why is pointing important again?

15 replies

Ghosty · 07/11/2004 21:52

My DD had her 9 month check last week and all the Plunket Nurse could go on about was how she wasn't rolling or making any effort to crawl. I am not particularly worried about that because DS was a late starter with that too ...
But when I told her that DD was pointing she didn't comment.
Now, I know that pointing is important - 'cos mumsnet and Jimjams says so ...
But can someone (ie Jimjams ... ) tell me WHY it is? All I know is that it is a good thing but I haven't a clue what the significance is ...
Ta xx

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
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MarsLady · 07/11/2004 21:54

just to let you know. I took my twins to their 8 month check and my lovely hv told me that they are getting rid of these checks as actually they are quite pointless (pardon the pun). so fret not my dear.

MarsLady · 07/11/2004 21:56

just to let you know. I took my twins to their 8 month check and my lovely hv told me that they are getting rid of these checks as actually they are quite pointless (pardon the pun). so fret not my dear.

MarsLady · 07/11/2004 21:56

just to let you know. I took my twins to their 8 month check and my lovely hv told me that they are getting rid of these checks as actually they are quite pointless (pardon the pun). so fret not my dear.

MarsLady · 07/11/2004 21:56

just to let you know. I took my twins to their 8 month check and my lovely hv told me that they are getting rid of these checks as actually they are quite pointless (pardon the pun). so fret not my dear.

MarsLady · 07/11/2004 21:57

just to let you know. I took my twins to their 8 month check and my lovely hv told me that they are getting rid of these checks as actually they are quite pointless (pardon the pun). so fret not my dear.

MarsLady · 07/11/2004 22:01

just to let you know. I took my twins to their 8 month check and my lovely hv told me that they are getting rid of these checks as actually they are quite pointless (pardon the pun). so fret not my dear.

MarsLady · 07/11/2004 22:01

just to let you know. I took my twins to their 8 month check and my lovely hv told me that they are getting rid of these checks as actually they are quite pointless (pardon the pun). so fret not my dear.

pixiefish · 07/11/2004 22:03

I've just done this on another thread marslady- multiple posts. pc crashed- must have been something in the water

coppertop · 07/11/2004 22:06

Pointing is important because it can show that the child is trying to communicate, eg pointing at a biscuit can mean they are letting you know they want the biscuit. It can also mean "Look at that!"

With autism a child assumes that you know what they know so there is no need to point at what they want etc.

PocketTasha · 07/11/2004 22:07

Think that there is something going on with the MN site to be honest... Took agges for it to sign in on my pc. On the pointing thing, i'm not 100% sure but i think it's about awareness. If children are pointing at things it shows a willing to move and an interrest in their surroundings. And for obvious reasons that is a crutial part of their develpment. I hope that helps.

Original poster
Ghosty · 07/11/2004 22:36

Thanks everyone ...
Marslady ... I heard you the first time!!

Coppertop, thanks for that explanation that definitely makes sense to me now . Although DD points at everything I don't think she is communicating with me just yet, I think she is doing it because she can ... She actually points at me as soon as I walk in the room. But I guess that she will soon start pointing at things to show me won't she?
TBH I never noticed pointing when DS was a baby as I had no idea it was important ... but thanks to mn that is another little thing I now know.
Cheers ...

OP posts:
Marina · 08/11/2004 09:25

Ghosty, dd was a "late" pointer. I am sure Jimjams previously posted that although you are allegedly meant to be looking out for meaningful pointing from 9 months, lack of it is only a cause for concern by the age of about 18 months...(something like that anyway but I found the basic message of her posting very reassuring). Ahem. She was also a late roller and crawler! Finally getting her act together on all fronts at 15 months...

Jimjams · 08/11/2004 19:42

ah pointing. Pointing develops in stages from around 12 months (although lots of girls start a bit earlier). Anyway it starts with things like pointing in response to "where is the dog" in a book. Then moves on to pointing at things you want. Then- and this is the important one- to show things of interest- so in response to a dog across the field- as in "look mum dog". That is known as protodeclarative pointing and should be in place by 18 months. It's the one that raises concerns about autism/language problems if missing at 18 months.

BTW don't worry to much about rolling- especially in a section baby. I was talking to the OT about this a while ago- apparently babies born by section tend to have problems in this sort of area. One things you can do is roll her up in a blanket/cot duvet and then unroll her- good sensory integration- she should start to work it out herself after a while.

Original poster
Ghosty · 09/11/2004 21:11

Jimjams ... you are truly fantastic ...
About the pointing ... really interesting to know all of that now ... I will file it in the back of my head for things to watch out for!
And Thank you SOOOOOOOO much about that information about rolling and section babies ... wow!!
Why is that do you think?

OP posts:
Jimjams · 09/11/2004 22:36

lack of deep pressure apparently. Or so the OT said! (which os another reason why they get you to roll them in duvets/blankets).

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