Monumental Changes

From birth through the first 3 years, humans experience the most profound and dramatic development of life! The infant develops starting from the head down.  A process called melanization occurs that connects the child's body and promotes movement starting from the head first and ending at the feet. This is apparent in the first few months when we see the child holding up their head when placed on their tummies on a flat surface. Within a short time, the child goes from the ability to move their head, to rolling over, standing up, walking, and speaking. All of this dramatic change typically occurs within the first year of life! 

What are some of the things we can do to support our little ones' rapid development at home? Physical development is enhanced by providing clothing that allows freedom of movement and independence. For little ones, this means loose-fitting pants, preferably made with stretchy material and has an elastic waistband. Snaps and zippers take hand strength that comes later on in a child's development. Dresses can be cumbersome and may end up getting in the way when crawling and later on when toileting. Loose-fitting shorts (if weather permits them) are the easiest type of clothing to support independence in movement, dressing oneself, and toileting. Shoes that are soft and easy to pull on are an excellent independence-enhancing choice.

I have a poem by Marshal Crenshaw that expresses the monumental change that occurs starting at birth:

We pass through the gates of life

Headfirst, face down

Twisting and turning

Our cries were muted by the fluid in our throats

And what was once indispensable for our lives

Is discarded and cut from us

As we begin a greater life

Leaving a watery world 

To fill our bellies

In the arms of our mother

Suckling the wondrous milk of life.

It seems when we pass

From one life to the other

We must shed our shells

And in an instant

Break free from flesh

Into the Great Spirit

Twisting and turning in time

Floating in consciousness

Returning to Great Mother's Breast.

-Miss Maria, Ladybug Teacher