What should you do to understand what is normal for a particular child?

Asking the parents for signs of well-being is crucial because parents provide valuable insights into their child's typical behaviors, preferences, and health indicators. They understand the child's overall development, including emotional responses, eating habits, sleep patterns, and social interactions. This context is essential in determining what is considered "normal" behavior for that specific child.

Engaging with parents fosters communication, builds trust, and allows caregivers to establish a supportive relationship that can enhance the child's well-being. Parents’ perspectives are uniquely informed by their experiences with the child, making it a primary source of information for understanding the child's needs and normal developmental milestones.

In contrast, observing only during playtime may not provide a complete picture of the child's behavior in different situations. Consulting previous caregivers can provide some perspective, but it lacks the direct connection and updated context that current parents can give. Monitoring the child every hour may create unnecessary stress for the child and does not provide qualitative insights into their overall state and typical behaviors.