True or False: Development generally progresses steadily without interruptions.

Development is a complex and multifaceted process that does not occur in a continuous and steady manner. Instead, it is often characterized by periods of rapid growth followed by plateaus, and sometimes even regressions or delays can occur. This is true across various domains of development, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Children may experience spurts in their physical growth, yet also face challenges such as illness or changes in their environment that can temporarily hinder their development. Similarly, cognitive development may involve phases where a child appears to consolidate skills rather than continuously acquire new ones.

Recognizing that development can be non-linear is crucial for understanding how children grow and learn. Factors such as life experiences, individual differences, and environmental influences contribute to the variability in developmental trajectories. Therefore, the notion that development progresses steadily without interruptions is not accurate, making the statement false.