Mitos sobre el desarrollo motor de los niños. Laura Estremera, maestra, psicóloga y psicomotricista
Understanding Motor Development Myths in Children
Key Myths Surrounding Motor Development
- One prevalent myth is that children need to be taught how to walk; without this instruction, they may never learn. This belief overlooks the natural developmental processes of infants.
- Another misconception is that babies should be placed in sitting positions early on to strengthen their backs. This can hinder their natural inclination to explore different postures.
- The idea that a child becomes bored if not constantly entertained leads parents to purchase items like walkers or bouncers, which can restrict natural movement and exploration.
- A common belief is that if previous siblings did not crawl, then the current child will skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking. This ignores individual developmental timelines.
Emy Pickler's Contributions
- Emy Pickler was a Hungarian pediatrician who focused on children's capabilities rather than their illnesses. She believed in fostering independence in infants through self-directed exploration.
- While directing an orphanage, she observed high mortality rates despite medical care and hygiene standards, prompting her to develop strategies for holistic child development.
- Pickler implemented a system promoting free movement among children, demonstrating that infants are genetically predisposed to learn various movements independently without adult intervention.
The Impact of Adult Intervention
- Research indicates that forcing specific movements or postures onto babies can create tension and stress rather than facilitate learning. Natural exploration is crucial for development.
- Although all humans eventually learn to walk, the sequence of motor skills acquisition varies significantly based on how adults intervene or support the child's process.
Rethinking Adult Roles in Child Development
- Adults should view children as competent individuals capable of achieving milestones at their own pace instead of focusing solely on what they have yet to accomplish.
- It’s essential for caregivers to prepare environments conducive for independent exploration while providing emotional support and reassurance without rushing the process.
- Active involvement from adults means creating safe spaces with appropriate materials while being present nearby, allowing children the confidence needed for self-discovery.