5 Childhood Development Myths That Parents Should Know

As parents take on the challenge of raising a child, they also encounter so much information. Sometimes it isn't easy to know which could be myths of early childhood development. 

If there is anything technology has abundantly brought to our lives, that is probably information. Parents, specifically the new ones, can get various information from the Internet. Aside from that, their parents and grandparents have sets of beliefs that sometimes turn out to be a myth of early childhood development.

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Here are five of the most common myths of early childhood development:

Myth #1: Children will overcome speech delays by age

According to experts, signs of speech delays in children should be addressed at an early stage. Dr. Andrew Adesman, a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician, said that early intervention could help determine if a child has autism or cognitive problems. He also noted that parents have the option not to have their physician recommend a developmental evaluation to them; that is if this would make them uncomfortable.

Myth #2: Holding books close to the eyes could damage vision 

Experts say that there is no reason to worry about ruining children's vision if they hold their books too close to their eyes. The same principle applies to watch the TV too close to it. If this is a child's personal choice, there is nothing to worry about for parents.

However, if a child does this because he finds it difficult to see from afar, it could be an indicator that the child is nearsighted. If that is the case, then parents should consult their child's pediatrician.

Myth #3: A child's brain is less active because it is smaller

Some adults assume that a child's brain is not as active as that of an adult because it is smaller. That is far from real. According to Rima Shore, an early development book author, a child's brain is constantly making new connections. Because of that, a child's brain is said to be twice as active as an adult's brain.

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Myth #4: Educational toys will boost your child's IQ

According to child development expert, Jeffrey Trawick-Smith, there is no specific toy that can particularly aid in a child's development. Contrary to what some toy packagings indicate about boosting a child's IQ, there is no proof of any of it. Although toys can stimulate the brain, it is only a plus and not an assurance to the brain's boost.

Simple toys for kids like books will be best for a child's development.

Myth #5: The youngest child tends to be a late talker

Dr. Adesman says that although birth order is significant in speech and language development, it is not always a conclusive factor. It has only a small impact on a child's speech development; besides, each family is different. 

Again, if the child seems to have speech and language delays, it would be best to have this addressed through professionals.