Parenting often feels like a winding journey. Sometimes you’ll be on a stretch of straight, smooth road sailing along and you feel like you’ve got things figured out. Other times you may feel like you’re traveling a bumpy, curvy back road with unexpected roadblocks in your way. One of the biggest roadblocks we face in parenting can be comparing our child to another unique individual.
Endless Opinions
There are so many resources at our fingertips in the world today. In addition to your pediatrician, you may have consulted books, blogs, podcasts, friends and family to get ideas on how to troubleshoot concerns you have regarding your child’s development. Or referenced those resources to get ideas on how best to support your child’s growth. Comparing your child to “what is expected,” can feel exhausting at times. Worry, doubt, and anxiety can creep in if feel your child isn’t meeting other’s marks.
Unique Individuals
I’m here to tell you that it is okay! Children are their own unique individual from the beginning. That is why developmental milestones are sectioned out in age ranges. Most children are able to start rolling within the expected age range of 4 – 6 months. However, there are always outliers who roll early or ones who roll later. It does not mean your baby is advanced if they roll early or delayed if they roll later. Babies move at their own pace!
Developmental Milestones
When my first child was born, he was 6 weeks younger than my nephew. During that first year, I watched my nephew grow at a faster rate than my son and hit many motor milestones earlier. Initially, I was worried. However, my pediatrician reminded me that my son was a small build so he might be on the later side for motor milestones…and he was, but verbally, he was a chatterbox! It all evens out and I’m happy to report that almost 10 years later, he is doing just fine with all those early milestones I was concerned about.
“The days are long, but the years are short” -Gretchen Rubin
This quote sums up the journey with our children so perfectly. I hope it reminds you to try to enjoy as many moments as you can. Try not to compare your child to the one you see him playing next to at play group, or your friend’s child, or a typical child you read about. Appreciate the unique individual your child is and what he or she brings to the family. Celebrate their achievements, and try not to let that worry creep in.
If you are looking for ways to help your child thrive through their own unique talents, check out our online class: Encouraging Curiosity & Learning Through Play. This class teaches caregivers how to combine play and education, while including the child’s current interests and developmental goals.
About The Author
Courtney Poirier is a veteran Newborn Care Expert with Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny. She has many years of experience with sleep conditioning and coaching in daycare & home settings. Prior to working with babies, she was an elementary school teacher. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and their two sons. One is seven years old and the other is nine years old.
