Of developmental milestones

A childhood tale tells of a young farmer who got impatient with his rice field. So one day, after the rice plants began to sprout, he went out to the field and started pulling each one of time in a bid to accelerate growth or perhaps, to make it look like they are growing bigger. As expected, the crop withered up shortly after that.

As teachers, therapists and caregivers, it is important to be aware that just like how flowers bloom and fruit at different times, every child has their unique developmental journeys and schedules. While we study and be familiar with the “typical” developmental milestones which have been formulated through the observation of children over the years, it is important to treat it as it is – a guide, and not a set of goals set in stone.

Every child has his/her unique strengths and weaknesses. Some may have to deal with challenges that others may not have to. For instance, sensory integration issues and muscle tone weakness. All this require time and effort. This is akin to how some take to math and numbers more easily than others; how some folks can be graceful dancers with lesser effort than others.  

Knowing the milestones for development provide a guide for us to do the following:

(i)            Identify areas of strengths and weaknesses

(ii)           Design learning/teaching/therapeutic strategies to support the learner

(iii)         Plan overarching goals and objectives for the learner

Let’s use the milestones meaningfully and it will help everyone (including parents, teachers and therapists) thrive and flourish alongside the child!