So many things are coming at you in Early childhood and often for the first time. Some things we may instinctively know and others we have to seek advice. We have talked about knowing your mind and where to see good play ideas from and how to increase our knowledge about play to find something that fits for our family. However it’s still hard when you are socializing to not compare yourself and perhaps your child to other children you see.
Whether you are a new mother or mother of more than one each child is unique and it seems the next one is nothing like the one you have just had. Your feelings are right back there to:
Am I doing the right things?
Is he doing the right things?
Why isn’t he doing X yet?
Should I be worried?
So many things are happening at this stage I have seen many mums shut down. With the sleepless nights and difficult days. It’s hard to keep one foot straight let alone notice differences. Going out seems to take so long that you feel it’s not worth it. It’s understandable. It’s a hard stage. Toddlers and preschoolers come with their own ‘fun’ of biting, kicking, loud, loud tantrums so yet again mixing in public and group settings may see parents withdraw.
What to do?
- Arm yourself with information in a format that works for you.
- Find at least ONE online forum with likeminded mums who post regularly and warmly about children under 5
- Buy at least ONE book that you flip through to check out the developmental stages.
It is in early childhood that speech delays and many delays are often seen and diagnosed. How do we see them? We might not- but others may, if we are in the right places socialising and sharing.
All three of my boys have had and one still has a speech delay. The first one knocked me for six. I had no idea. I began to notice differences and didn’t want to get sucked into the comparision trap or hot housing track yet I knew that there must be a different option.
My go to books were:
Bright From the Start: The Simple, Science-Backed Way to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind from Birth to Age 3
Noticing a parent of a boy his age and made comparisons.
It wasn’t long before I was in the Doctor’s office asking about his speech. No analysis paralysis here- within a month.
Our next steps were being referred to a specialist centre ; being identified and him being helped.
Sometimes it is what you are doing and learning to do it another way is helpful.
Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22
Don’t despair and worry. Gather evidence and seek professional advice.
Once armed with all the information you can now make some informed choices about your child.
The time is now. Here’s to happier playtimes with the support you need.
Further reading
Our experiences of play and speech therapy
Where can I find fun developmental play activities? :: Play-Activities
How important is the mother’s attitude? :: Play Activities
Everyday play opportunities for babies :: Play Activities
Ages and stages :: Born Learning
Where are your go to places online for advice and support?
Click here to read the rest of the posts in the series, 31 Days to a more Playful Tot.
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