A nurse is teaching a parent about normal infant growth and development. Which statement by the parent indicates they can apply developmental principles correctly to their own child?

A. Developmental milestones follow predictable sequences, but the exact age at which each child reaches them can vary. Expecting all babies to reach milestones at the same age is unrealistic and does not reflect normal variation in growth and development. B. While gross motor skills like walking often develop alongside fine motor skills, fine motor development does not occur automatically. It requires practice, coordination, and maturation of muscles and nervous system pathways. C. Genetics play a significant role in growth, influencing height, weight, body proportions, and sometimes developmental timing. Denying the influence of genetics misrepresents a key factor in growth and development. D. This statement reflects an accurate understanding of developmental principles. Growth and developmental milestones occur in a predictable sequence (cephalocaudal, proximodistal, and simple-to-complex patterns), but the timing can vary for each child. This acknowledges normal individual differences while recognizing typical developmental patterns.