What developmental goal should a nurse encourage parents to support for a 1-year-old who was born 2 months premature?

For a 1-year-old who was born 2 months premature, it's essential to consider their corrected age when assessing developmental milestones. The corrected age accounts for prematurity and is determined by subtracting the number of weeks a child was born early from their chronological age.

At 1 year of chronological age, a child may not have reached all milestones typically expected at this age, especially if they were premature. Typically, a 1-year-old, adjusted for prematurity, may be expected to be able to sit independently. Sitting is a foundational skill that supports later milestones, such as standing and walking. Being able to sit independently suggests that the child has developed sufficient muscle strength and control, which is critical for moving toward other developmental tasks.

Encouraging parents to support sitting independently provides a realistic goal that aligns with the child's developmental capabilities, considering their premature birth. Once sitting is mastered, the child can progress to standing with support and eventually walking independently. This developmental progression is essential for building confidence and skill as the child grows.

In contrast, while standing with assistance, walking independently, and saying simple words may be developmental goals for a typically developing 1-year-old, they may not be appropriate for a child who was born prematurely and still requires