When my first child, Zoe, came along, she was an absolute superstar. She talked, walked, and read with such ease that I felt like I was on the parenting fast track. Friends and family praised my “amazing” parenting skills, but honestly, I knew a trained monkey could have handled her. Compliments? I soaked them up like a sponge!
Then came my second child, Max, who was just as bright but with a fiery spirit that made me question my control over my little tornado. He hit milestones like a champ, albeit with a side of sass.
And then there was my third, Lily. Ah, sweet Lily—the quintessential late bloomer. What’s a late bloomer, you ask? That’s the kid who takes their sweet time mastering the developmental skills that parenting culture seems to obsess over. Lily is the poster child for this category. She’s in no hurry to hit her milestones, and while she might be a tad behind, she’s focused on her own unique journey. Sure, it can be a little chaotic, but I wouldn’t change a thing.
If Lily had been my first, I would have been a complete wreck. Thankfully, after navigating the parenting waters for a while, I’ve learned to relax and let my kids develop at their own pace. That doesn’t mean I don’t have my worries or that I don’t work with her on essential tasks. We’ve visited early childhood specialists more than once, but they assure me that she’s making progress in her own way.
At 3, Zoe could identify and write nearly all the letters of the alphabet and recite lengthy books by heart. Meanwhile, Lily still struggles with getting dressed and thinks that 4 and 5 are optional when counting to 10. Yet, despite any challenges she may face when it comes to being kindergarten-ready, I have no doubt she’ll thrive in life.
Here’s why:
She’s Incredibly Kind.
Lily is a natural nurturer. She’s the child who runs to comfort her peers when they tumble off the slide, showering them with hugs and kisses. It’s as if she has an innate sense of when someone needs a little extra love, and she’s always ready to provide it. Trust me, this world could use more compassion, and she’s more than willing to share it.
She’s Resourceful.
It took us ages to figure out that Lily simply preferred to charm everyone into dressing her rather than doing it herself. She would rotate her requests among her siblings, her dad, and me like a well-oiled machine. Once we caught on, we couldn’t help but admire her cleverness. Why learn to do it herself when she could just win over the family?
She’s Hilarious.
Even with her slow-growing vocabulary, Lily has a remarkable knack for humor. During family dinners, she can throw in a “heck yeah!” that sends everyone into fits of laughter. She has a gift for bringing joy to those around her.
She Stands Her Ground.
Lily is no pushover. Half the time, I suspect she’s deliberately ignoring my requests just to assert her independence. This is the same child who refused to take a bottle as a baby, opting to wait it out for hours instead. She’s chill most of the time, but when she sets her mind to something, there’s no changing it.
She Knows How to Move.
Lily can bust a move like nobody’s business. Whether in the grocery store or during a sibling meltdown, she’ll break into dance, spreading joy wherever she goes. While I might not have anticipated her talent for dancing, I admire her confidence in what she loves to do.
For those of you parenting a late bloomer, fear not—they’ll be just fine. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, wondering if your child is simply a late bloomer or if there’s something more serious at play, don’t hesitate to ask for help. No parent should sacrifice sleep over worries. Late bloomers may take their own unique path, but they often arrive at just the right destination, much like taking the scenic route instead of the congested highway.
I believe Lily’s journey will be filled with incredible friendships, unique skills, laughter, and spontaneous dance parties. Sure, I worry about her, but even if she can’t count to ten just yet, she’s acquiring essential life skills that will help her flourish. Plus, she’s teaching me that not every child learns in the same way, and sometimes, a relaxed approach can make home a happier place.
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Summary:
Parenting a late bloomer can be a unique journey filled with challenges and rewards. While every child develops at their own pace, it’s important to embrace their individuality and support their growth. Remember, a relaxed approach can lead to a happier home for everyone.