DEVELOPMENTAL TASKS OF BABYHOOD
Because the pattern of development is predictable even though different babies reach important land marks in this pattern at slightly different ages, it is possible to set up standards of social expectations in the form of developmental tasks. All babies, for example, are expected to learn to walk, to take solid foods, to have their organs of elimination under partial control, to achieve reasonable physiological stability (especially in hunger rhythm and sleep), to learn the foundations of speech, and to relate emotionally to their parents and siblings to some extent instead of being completely self-bound, as they were at birth. Most of these developmental tasks will not, of course, be completely mastered when babyhood draws to a close, but the foundations for them should be laid.
When babyhood ends, all normal babies have learned to walk, though with varying degrees of proficiency. They have also learned to take solid foods and they have achieved a reasonable degree of physiological stability. The major tasks involving the elimination of body wastes are well under control and will be completely mastered within another year or two.
While most babies have built up a useful vocabulary, can pronounce the words they use reason ably correctly, can comprehend the meaning of simple statements and commands, and can put together several words into meaningful sentences, their ability to communicate with others and to comprehend what others say to them is still on a low level. Much re mains to be mastered before they enter school.
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