Durban - Many first-time parents are afraid of doing the wrong thing and often forget to trust their instincts, overlooking the importance of letting children be exactly that – children.
Westville early learning expert Liz Victor says parents should use developental milestones as an indication that all is well, but remember that they are not set in stone and have no exact timeline.
“It is important for parents to remember each child is different and that these dictated milestones are simply a guideline and are not a list to be rushed through,” Victor says.
“Each milestone has significance and a child must spend time in each phase in order to develop all areas of his/her intellect.
“The less time a child spends playing with gadgets and is able to develop on his/her own, the better it is for his/her long-term development.”
Helping out
Liz cautions against support seats, walkers and jolly jumpers that put children in a position they should not be in at that stage.
“If a child could sit/walk/jump, then he/she would be doing it on his/her own.
“It is important for parents to identify these elements as hindering their child’s development and help them to rather be able to do these tasks on their own. Instead of putting your child in his/her walker, help your baby to strengthen his/her muscles to be able to start doing these actions.”
Liz recommends playing with them on the floor and spending less time in contraptions or in mom’s arms. Children need to be working on those large muscles so they can control the small muscles later on – it is all part of allowing your child to easily and patiently develop through each stage.
Gizmos and gadgets
Toddlers are exposed to technology and electronic devices from very early on, but it may come at a huge expense when it comes to your child’s natural development.
It’s important to limit the use of electronic devices in the early years. Toddlers need to spend most of their day playing, using their imagination, running, jumping and drawing. All these experiences – which many children are missing out on by playing on iPads, video games and cellphones – have a direct impact on how your child will fare at school and later on in life.
Pushing a child to perform at these tasks is not a good idea. A toddler who can use an iPad/computer/cellphone at age three is not a genius. He/she is a child who will possibly have problems later on at school with midline crossing, fine-motor control and reading.
Lead by example and spend at least an hour a day playing with your children. Put down the devices that are a distraction and spend time helping your children become all they can be. Have fun and let toddlers enjoy their childhood – it’s the only time they have to be completely carefree. - Daily News
* Victor is director of Toptots Early Learning SA and co-author of Play Learn Know.