So often one hears...
"My child skipped a baby
development stage. She definitely
develops fast! She's definitely
gifted and will surely do well in
years to come."
Every parent likes to believe
their child is gifted and look for
any sign to confirm their belief.
There is always excitement in a
fast developing baby.
But is this observation true? Is
it a clear cut sign of above average
talent?
What you're hearing is probably
based on the worst baby development
myth parents believe.
The truth is rather...
Skipping one or more of the baby
development stages... or frequently
also known as milestones, is
definitely no clear-cut sign of
superior development.
Few parents realize that the goal
is not to speed up their baby's
development. It is definitely best
for your baby if she properly
masters all the milestones and
development skills.
Realize that normal baby
development is universal and follows
the same natural pattern throughout
the world.
Every baby follows this same
development pattern. And milestones
apply to all healthy babies.
That means a baby developing
"normally" should master every
development milestone within a very
specific age range, regardless of
where in the world she lives.
And despite what parents like to
believe, their baby does not have an
unique set of development rules
which may explain a faster or unique
development pattern.
Few parents realize that each of
the development milestones teaches
infants particular skills necessary
for further progress.
Babies must therefore master all
the learning skills for a particular
age for best development.
There is very little if anything
to be gained by skipping or
neglecting any of the vital
development experiences.
Many child learning problems
happen because parents have
specifically neglected certain
learning experiences in the hope of
fast tracking their child's
development.
There's one more very important
thing about mastering the baby
development stages.
Reaching a milestone isn't just
about going through the motions…
doing the right things.
Your baby also needs to do it
right.
There is a certain quality part
necessary to properly master any
milestone.
The full learning experience is
only gained by properly mastering
the skills.
Parents may often say their baby
is sitting. But that does not
necessarily mean the baby is sitting
correctly.
Their baby may in fact be
sitting… but only if holding onto
another object or if somehow being
supported.
The reality is rather that the
baby is not able to free her hands
to play with a toy or even move her
hands from side to side to discover
the surroundings.
All important development skills
have thus not yet been properly
mastered. More stimulation and
encouragement is still needed.
What is then the best way parents
can overcome the worst baby
development stage myth?
Babies gain most when they not
only master all skills associated
with the different development
milestones, but also do it right.
The best any parent can do for
their baby is ensuring she does all
the things babies do, do them
right... and have fun doing so.
