In some cultures, motor development milestones may be influenced such that crawling is skipped; delayed onset of gross motor milestones can also occur depending on positioning, clothing, and toileting practices. Which statement best captures this idea?

• A. Culture has no effect on motor development
• B. Milestones may be skipped depending on cultural value
• C. All children reach milestones at the same time
• D. Only cognitive development is affected by culture

Answer: (B)

Culture can shape motor development by influencing daily interactions and opportunities for movement. When infants are carried more, placed in devices that limit floor time, or dressed in ways that restrict leg movement, they may have fewer chances to practice crawling or other gross motor skills, leading to milestones that are skipped or delayed. This shows how environment and caregiving practices can alter the timing of motor development, not because the ability isn’t there, but because the activities available to the child shape when those skills emerge. That’s why this statement best captures the idea. The other options imply no cultural effect, universal timing for all children, or that culture only affects cognitive development, which doesn’t fit the described influence on motor milestones.