How Can You Tell What Is and Isn’t Normal in Your Child’s Development
As a parent, your list of worries and concerns really never ends. You might want to snap a photo and praise your child whenever they reach a new milestone, but what if you’re wondering whether they should be doing more at their age?
Maybe you saw them with a group of their friends or classmates who seemed “further along,” or maybe you think they should be more developed for their age.
But, it’s important to understand that every child develops differently and often at their own pace. So, knowing what’s “normal” and what isn’t can provide peace of mind and can let you know when it’s time to reach out for help.
So, how can you tell what is and isn’t normal in your child’s development?
Get Knowledge From Reputable Sources
One of the best ways to determine where your child is and should be in their development is to talk to their pediatrician. You might not have a “lightbulb” moment when it comes to recognizing a delay in development. It might be something you notice gradually. So, being well-informed about what’s appropriate for your child’s age group can make a difference.
Additionally, adopt the mindset that knowledge is power. There is a lot of misinformation on the internet and a lot of websites can scare you into thinking your child is behind. Do your research, but check the sources. Medical websites should always be your top choices, and make sure multiple sources are saying the same things.
Know the Symptoms
You might not know what to look for when it comes to developmental delays because you’re focused on the positives. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. You should be proud of your child’s accomplishments, no matter what they are. But, don’t let them blind you to red flags, including:
Difficulty with fine motor skills
Socialization issues
Trouble with problem-solving activities
Having a hard time remembering things
Communication issues
These are common symptoms that show up in delayed development. If your child is experiencing one or more, and you think they should be further along based on their age, pay attention to the specific symptoms they’re exhibiting and continue your research on what’s “normal” and appropriate.
Looking at Other Children
As a rule, you shouldn’t compare your child to other kids when it comes to their behaviors, and you shouldn’t nitpick about their development when compared to other children, either. Again, every child develops differently and if your little one can’t do everything their friend group can, it’s probably okay.
But, seeing your child in a friend group can help you notice any obvious signs of developmental delays. You might not see those delays as easily when your child is on their own each day. But, if they are around other kids that are the same age and there are glaring differences in development, it can serve as a red flag that something might be wrong. Don’t compare your child to others in terms of wanting them to be “better” than anyone else. Rather, use other children their age as a sort of litmus test for where they should be.
What to Do if You’re Concerned
If you have concerns that your child’s development is delayed, go back to your pediatrician. Share your concerns and let them help you come up with a strategy that will fit your child’s needs while helping them grow.
Developmental delays could come from a variety of things, from chronic ear infections to trauma or genetics. Getting to the bottom of the delays is the first step toward treating them and helping your child move forward.
Reach out to learn more about child therapy.