DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES
Milestones refer to important points in the development of a particular skill or ability. For example, some (but not all) of the milestones related to gross motor development include rolling over, sitting up, crawling, standing up, cruising, and walking.

The ability to communicate is an important skill. In fact, it is one of the first skills infants and children must master. Infants communicate primarily through crying. Parents and caregivers can become quite adept at interpreting a child’s cry so that they can respond to his or her needs quickly and appropriately.

While nature predisposes humans to language, it is nurture that determines language development. Language development can be facilitated in a number of ways: Adults can modify their speech (i.e., child-directed speech, simplified speech) to help young children attend to and learn the important parts of speech and appropriate syntax; play simple games with children that encourage turn-taking (a characteristic of good communication); and use of scaffolding (e.g., repetition) to help children learn the basics of language and communication (Pinker, 2004). The milestones of language development range from pre-language babbling to multi-word phrases and sentences. Individual and cultural differences can affect the rate and form of language within these milestones.

For this Discussion, you will explore one developmental milestone in infancy and/or toddlerhood as it relates to cognitive, physical, and/or social-emotional development. One significant developmental milestone in infancy is the development of object permanence, which refers to the understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible. This milestone typically develops around 6-8 months of age and is an important aspect of cognitive development.

During the first few months of life, infants do not have a sense of object permanence and do not understand that objects continue to exist when they are out of sight. For example, if a toy is placed in front of an infant and then removed, the infant will not search for the toy or show any signs of looking for it. However, as infants develop object permanence, they begin to understand that objects continue to exist even when they are not visible. This allows them to search for hidden objects and anticipate their reappearance.

Object permanence is an important milestone because it lays the foundation for later cognitive development, including the development of memory, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of cause and effect. It also helps infants to better understand and interact with their environment and the people around them.

To prepare for this Discussion:

Review the Learning Resources for this week and consider the various developmental milestones in infancy and/or toddlerhood.
Select only one developmental milestone in infancy and/or toddlerhood as it relates to cognitive, physical, and/or social-emotional development.
Post a brief description of the developmental milestone you selected. Then, explain the impact of missing and meeting the milestone as it relates to cognitive, physical, and social-emotional development in infancy and/or toddlerhood. Use your Learning Resources to support your post. Use proper APA format and citations.

REFERENCES

Berk, L. E. (2023). Development through the lifespan (7th ed.). Sage.
Chapter 4, “Physical Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood” (pp. 114-146)
Chapter 5, “Cognitive Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood” (pp. 148-180)
Chapter 6, “Emotional and Social Development in Infancy and Toddlerhood” (pp. 182-210)
Darling, N. (1999). Parenting style and its correlates Links to an external site.. Retrieved from ERIC database. (ED427896)
Keller, H. (2012). Attachment and culture Links to an external site.. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 44(2), 175–194. doi:10.1177/0022022112472253