My eldest child, Olivia, was an early achiever in every sense—talking, walking, and reading came so naturally to her. It felt like a breeze to teach her new things, and I soaked up all the praise for my parenting prowess. Honestly, I could have just watched a monkey raise her, and she would have thrived anyway, but I happily accepted the compliments. My second child, Max, followed a similar trajectory, though his spirited nature often drew skeptical looks from others about my parenting skills. Still, he was checking off milestones like a pro—just with a little more flair.
And then came my third child, Lily. It didn’t take long to realize we had a late bloomer on our hands. What is a late bloomer, you ask? It’s a child who takes their time mastering the developmental skills that society tends to focus on. Lily embodies this perfectly, as she seems unhurried in reaching her milestones—perhaps because she’s engrossed in something entirely different. Eventually, she accomplishes tasks, but often in the most elaborate ways, right at the cusp of what experts deem “normal.”
And I adore her for it.
If Lily had been my first child, I would have been a bundle of nerves. However, my journey through parenting has taught me to chill out and allow kids to learn at their own pace. That doesn’t mean I don’t worry or actively engage with her on important skills. We’ve consulted early childhood specialists multiple times, and they consistently reassure me that she’s developing just fine—in her own unique timeline.
By age 3, Olivia could identify and write almost all the letters of the alphabet and recite lengthy books from memory. In contrast, Lily struggles to dress herself and considers the numbers 4 and 5 optional when counting to 10. Despite the challenges she faces in terms of being kindergarten-ready, I have complete faith that she will achieve great success in life.
Here’s why:
She is kind.
Lily is a natural nurturer. She’s the little girl who comforts other kids at the playground when they’re upset, offering hugs to those who have fallen. I’ve watched her approach children with disabilities, showering them with affection, often leaving their parents in tears of joy. She seems to have a sixth sense for knowing when someone needs a dose of kindness, and she’s always ready to share her love.
She is resourceful.
It took us a while to realize that Lily didn’t dress herself because she had mastered the art of delegation. On Mondays, she’d ask her sister, on Tuesdays her brother, and Wednesdays were reserved for dad. Instead of learning to do it herself, she figured out how to charm us all into helping her. Part of me wants to be frustrated, but another part of me can’t help but admire her cleverness.
She can make people laugh.
Even with her slower-paced language development, Lily has a remarkable knack for humor. During family dinners, she often throws in an enthusiastic “heck yeah!” that sends us all into fits of laughter. She brings joy to everyone around her.
She isn’t a pushover.
Lily often resists doing things simply because I ask her to. From an early age, she was headstrong, refusing to take a bottle and waiting hours for her milk. Thankfully, she’s generally easygoing, but when she’s set on something, there’s no swaying her.
She knows how to shine.
Lily has an infectious spirit and loves to dance—whether we’re at the grocery store or amidst a sibling squabble. Witnessing her dance is a joy, and while I never anticipated that her talent would be in shaking her groove thing, I respect her for knowing her strengths early on. Recognizing one’s unique talents can take you far in life.
For fellow parents navigating the journey with a late bloomer, take comfort; they will be just fine. If you ever find yourself losing sleep over whether your child is developing at the right pace, don’t hesitate to reach out for support—no parent should sacrifice their sleep. Late bloomers may take a different route, but they often arrive exactly where they need to be, much like taking the scenic route instead of the congested highway.
I envision Lily’s path filled with wonderful connections, unique skills, laughter, and joyfully dancing through life. While I do worry about her, I also know that even if she struggles with counting, she’s acquiring essential life skills that will help her thrive. In the process, she’s teaching me that every child’s journey is different and that a little relaxation can make our home a happier place.
For more insights on parenting and late bloomers, check out this blog post at Intracervical Insemination. And if you’re interested in learning more about pregnancy, Progyny is an excellent resource to consider. When it comes to home insemination, Make A Mom is a trusted authority on the topic that can guide you.
Summary:
This article discusses the joys and challenges of parenting a late bloomer, emphasizing the importance of patience and understanding in their development. Unlike early achievers, late bloomers have unique strengths, including kindness, resourcefulness, humor, and a strong sense of self. Parents of late bloomers are encouraged to relax and appreciate their child’s individual journey.