What is "regression" in child development?

In the context of child development, regression refers to the phenomenon where a child temporarily reverts to earlier behaviors or stages of development as a response to stress, change, or significant upheaval in their environment. This can manifest in various ways, such as a child who has been potty trained starting to have accidents or a child who has begun to speak in full sentences reverting to babbling or using simpler words.

This behavior is often a coping mechanism in response to new challenges, such as moving to a new home, the arrival of a sibling, or any other significant life changes. It is important to understand that regression is often a normal part of development, reflecting a child's way of coping with anxiety or disruption. Unlike advancing to higher stages of development or rapidly learning new skills, regression highlights the adaptability of children and their need to feel secure in times of uncertainty.