My first child was a little prodigy—talking, walking, and reading before I had even finished my morning coffee. Every new skill she mastered seemed to validate my parenting prowess. I soaked up compliments like a sponge, convinced that I was raising a genius (let’s be real, even a rock could have taken credit for her brilliance). My second child followed suit, though his spirited personality sometimes had onlookers raising their eyebrows and wondering why I wasn’t “controlling” my little whirlwind. But he hit his milestones with style, even if it was a bit more animated.
Then came my third munchkin. Almost immediately, it was clear I was in the presence of a late bloomer. What’s a late bloomer, you ask? This is the child who takes their sweet time mastering the developmental skills that parenting norms dictate we should be tracking. My youngest is the quintessential late bloomer—she’s not in a hurry to check off any milestones, perhaps because she’s busy focusing on her own unique interests. Sure, she gets things done eventually, but it’s often in a roundabout way, right on the edge of what experts deem “normal.” And honestly? I adore her for it.
If my late bloomer had been my first, I’d have been a nervous wreck every day. But my experience in the parenting trenches has taught me to relax and allow kids to learn at their own pace. That doesn’t mean I don’t have concerns or work with her on important tasks. We’ve consulted early childhood speech pathologists several times, and they reassure me she’s developing wonderfully, just in her own sweet time.
While my eldest could identify and write nearly all 26 letters by age 3, my youngest still struggles to dress herself and counts to 10 with a skip over 4 and 5. But despite the hurdles she faces for kindergarten readiness, I have every confidence she’ll thrive in life.
Here’s why:
She’s Kind.
My daughter has a heart of gold. She’s the one who runs to comfort other kids at the playground when they tumble down. She approaches children with disabilities and gives them hugs that leave their parents misty-eyed. It’s as if she has an innate sense of when someone needs a little extra love, and she’s always ready to share it. Our world could use more kindness, and she’s here to deliver.
She’s Resourceful.
It took us ages to realize she couldn’t dress herself—she had the whole family wrapped around her finger! Each day she’d enlist a different family member for help, and once we caught on, we couldn’t help but admire her crafty approach to life. Rather than tackle dressing herself, she discovered that charming her way through the household was far more entertaining.
She Can Make People Laugh.
Even though her verbal skills are developing slowly, she has an incredible knack for humor. During family dinners, she’ll throw out an enthusiastic “heck yeah!” that sends everyone into fits of giggles. Her ability to bring laughter to the table is a gift that brightens our days.
She Stands Her Ground.
Sometimes it feels like she goes against my wishes just for the sake of it. She has a strong will—like when she refused to take a bottle as an infant, waiting hours for me to come home with her milk. Thankfully, she’s mostly easygoing, but once she decides on something, there’s no changing her mind.
She Knows How to Dance.
My little one loves to bust a move, often breaking into dance at the grocery store or during her sibling’s temper tantrums. While I never expected her talent for dancing to be a highlight, I can’t help but admire her confidence in flaunting what she’s good at. Recognizing one’s strengths early in life is a powerful asset.
For those of you with late bloomers, take heart—they will be just fine. If you lie awake at night fretting about whether your child is merely a late bloomer or facing a more significant delay, don’t hesitate to seek support. No parent should sacrifice sleep. Late bloomers may take a different route on their journey, but they’ll arrive exactly where they need to be—like choosing the scenic route over a congested highway.
I believe her unique path will lead her to meet incredible people, develop distinctive skills, share laughter, and dance just because she can. Yes, I worry about my late bloomer, but even if she struggles to count, she’s acquiring life skills that will help her flourish. She’s teaching me that every child has their own rhythm, and embracing a laid-back approach makes our home a happier place.
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Summary:
The journey of parenting a late bloomer can be filled with challenges and worries, but it’s essential to relax and allow children to develop at their own pace. Embracing their unique qualities—such as kindness, resourcefulness, humor, determination, and self-expression—can foster their success in life. As parents, it’s crucial to remember that every child’s path is different, and supporting them in their own way is what truly matters.