Holistic Development

What is ‘Holistic’ Development?

There are guidelines showing the developmental norms, (also called milestones), which describe a pattern of developments that children are expected to follow. These are for guidance only because of the wide variation between individuals. Holistic development is focusing on the growing baby and child as a whole and meeting the individual’s needs in all areas of development, not just certain aspects, because each part is affected by another. Acknowledging that every baby is unique, not only in their genes, but the environment in which they are born. Plus the combination of learning through mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual experiences all combine to make up the whole person – even from birth. By seeing life from the baby or child’s point of view or being child-centred, enhances this approach.