In this episode, I explore child development and the stress surrounding milestones. Development is a continuous process influenced by both biological and environmental factors. Milestones are key behaviors most children typically reach at certain ages, however, milestones can create unnecessary pressure.

The “milestone mentality” assumes a universal path of development, but factors like exposure to experiences or cultural differences can influence when skills emerge. A single "no" answer in screenings might raise concerns, but it doesn’t always signal a problem.

The key takeaway: Development is not a race. Celebrate progress, focus on the whole child, and remember that every child has their own timeline. Instead of obsessing over milestones, embrace each small step forward in the developmental journey.