Austrian scientist and thinker Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) developed the Waldorf schools in the aftermath of WWI. Steiner concluded that a human being is a threefold being of spirit, soul, and body whose capacities unfold in developmental stages on the path to adulthood.
According to Steiner’s anthroposophical beliefs, there is a seven-year period between each developmental stage. The stages include early childhood (0-7 years), childhood to puberty (7-14 years), puberty to young adulthood (14-21 years), and young adulthood to adulthood (21-28 years). From adulthood, there are also seven-year developmental stages up until death.
When an infant is born, they’re not fully developed yet. Much growth and development will occur outside the mother’s womb, and the external world will influence the child’s growth and development.
You will have an essential role as a parent since the child mostly emulates everything you do or say. Therefore, your actions and words will be reflected and replicated by your child.
Developmental support for each seven-year developmental stage
From infant to childhood
During this developmental stage, the child is born without any knowledge of its surroundings and the nature of the environment. Therefore, it is up to the parents or caregivers to provide ample loving space for their developmental stages.
The child is still entirely dependent on their caregiver for physical, emotional, and social support. Your duty as a parent is to provide medical care, food, and a space safe for your child to play and stay healthy.
Childhood to puberty
The child has probably started or is ready to start school at this phase. This means your child will begin to experience external influences, most of which you might not have control over. The child begins forming habits and making decisions, keeping the memory of things, and wanting to express themselves for who they are.
They become fully aware of themselves, and your support for your child is crucial at this stage. They start to have dreams, choose careers and hobbies, and acknowledge what they like or dislike. So allow your child to try and experience new things through which they realize their talents and capabilities.
Puberty to young adulthood
Most adolescents and young adults at this developmental stage have different views about life. They yearn for independence and freedom. They start to uncover and express their truth; many often feel misunderstood and might be rebellious.
You should grant your child a little bit more freedom and space. Allow them to explore but do not detach from them completely because they still need guidance. Be warm, approachable, and welcoming when your child comes to you with a need or wants to talk. Also, allow room for mistakes as it provides an opportunity to learn and grow.
Young adulthood to adulthood
At this point, your child is now an adult and can identify as an individual. Most people can now take care of themselves and may not need their parents or caregivers as much, and this is where they start to realize that they need to shape their own lives.
Most people in this developmental stage can make their own survival decisions and care for their physical, emotional, and social well-being, and your role as a parent changes. At this stage, you are merely a discussion partner or guide from a distance. Still, you can also help them refine their ideas and choices in life.
Adulthood to death
The seven-year development gap continues until death. After every seven years, a person enters a new stage in their life until their life is eventually cut short by death. According to Waldorf, the following stages follow after 28: insight (28-35), unfolding (36-42), uniqueness (43-49), overview (49-56), intuition (57-63), and preparation.
Preparation, the final developmental stage, starts from 63-70 years and beyond. At this stage, a person prepares themselves for their physical death and, in some cultures or religions, realms beyond this world.
As you prepare to exit this world, you reminisce about your life experiences with either a smile or regret depending on what you made of it. Some people may be filled with fear and emptiness, for they know not what awaits them on the other end, and this is where your faith comes into play.
On the other hand, if you lived in the best way possible, recollecting your life events should illuminate a smile on your face. You find a peaceful place in your heart to guide others in love and wisdom so they can also live to enjoy that which they have; life!
In summary
In the past, most cultures believed that the best years were yet to come. So Waldorf’s seven-year periods are an essential tool for parenting and a helpful compass for anyone who wants to unlock their full potential at any stage.
