My first child was a remarkable achiever, speaking, walking, and reading well ahead of her peers. Parenting her felt like a breeze; any guidance I offered was quickly embraced. Friends and family showered me with compliments about my parenting prowess for raising such a gifted child. (Truthfully, even a less experienced person could have managed her well, but I savored every accolade.) My second child mirrored this trend, although his spirited nature sometimes drew judgmental glances, as though I were failing to rein him in. Nevertheless, he, too, was progressing through milestones with flair, albeit with a bit more energy.
Then, my youngest arrived. It became clear quite swiftly that we had a late bloomer on our hands. A late bloomer is a child who takes their time mastering the skills that society often emphasizes, and my youngest embodies this perfectly. She approaches her developmental milestones at her own leisurely pace, perhaps because her interests lie elsewhere. Though she eventually accomplishes tasks, she often does so in unconventional ways and typically just on the brink of what professionals consider “normal.” And you know what? I adore her for it.
Had my late bloomer been my firstborn, I would have been a bundle of nerves. However, my experience as a parent has taught me to relax and allow children to develop in their own time. This doesn’t mean I don’t have concerns or engage her in activities that I believe are important. We’ve consulted early childhood speech experts multiple times, and they’ve reassured me that she is progressing just fine, at her own rhythm.
At three years old, my eldest could recognize and write almost all the letters of the alphabet and could recite lengthy stories from memory. In contrast, my youngest struggles with dressing herself and often skips certain numbers when counting. Despite the hurdles she faces in being prepared for kindergarten, I’m confident she will find her path to success.
Here’s why:
She is compassionate.
My daughter is a natural nurturer. At the playground, she’s the one comforting peers who’ve fallen, offering hugs and kind words. She approaches children with disabilities without hesitation, often bringing tears of joy to their parents by simply showing affection. Her innate ability to sense when others need kindness is a rare gift that our world desperately needs.
She is ingenious.
It took us a while to realize she was avoiding dressing herself because she had cleverly learned to charm each family member into helping her. She would ask her sister one day, her brother the next, and so forth. Once we recognized her strategy, it was clear she was resourceful and knew how to navigate her environment for her benefit. I’m torn between being exasperated and wanting to applaud her cleverness.
She brings joy.
Even with her slower language development, she has a knack for making people laugh. Whether it’s a spontaneous outburst of “heck yeah!” during dinner discussions or a silly face, her humor lightens the mood for everyone around her.
She has a strong will.
Half the time, it seems she resists doing what I suggest simply because I suggested it. From infancy, she was the baby who refused a bottle, patiently waiting for her milk instead of succumbing to convenience. While she’s generally laid-back, when she makes up her mind about something, it’s best to respect her wishes.
She knows how to express herself.
This girl loves to dance! Whether in a grocery store aisle or during a sibling’s tantrum, she bursts into joyful movement. While I never expected her dance skills to be a highlight, I appreciate that she knows her strengths early on. Recognizing what you excel at can lead to great things.
For parents navigating the journey with a late bloomer, take heart—everything will be okay. If you find yourself awake at night worrying about whether your child is simply a late bloomer or facing more serious challenges, seek guidance. After all, no parent should lose sleep over this. Remember, a late bloomer may take a unique path, but they will arrive where they need to be, akin to taking the scenic route instead of a traffic-jammed highway. I envision my daughter’s journey filled with meaningful connections, unique skills, and spontaneous dances. Although I have my worries, I understand that her experiences are shaping her in invaluable ways. She teaches me that every child’s journey is distinct and that a little bit of relaxation can create a harmonious home environment.
For more insights on parenting and fertility, check out this excellent resource on infertility and explore topics about home insemination on our other blog for more guidance. If you’re interested in tools for at-home insemination, visit Make a Mom for reliable information.