So I’ve sped past the halfway mark and I’m heading towards the end of my second trimester now. A time you may remember well?…
I must have read over a thousand pages of baby related articles, my mind feels full to the brim with all this new found information.
And then last week, the inevitable happened… I caught myself falling into the big fat stupid trap that so many other parents fall into…
I began reading a baby milestones book.
And without realising, in just one day I’d got through almost half of it. I felt like a drug addict unable to put the thing down.
In this 12 Hours not only had my unborn child’s entire developmental goals been set out for him until he was 18 months old, but I was already beginning to worry.
Massive mistake.
So why did I do it and why do so many other parents get obsessed with reading up on the ‘norms’ or milestones of ‘the average child?’
Simple… to have something to compare their child to.
What’s ironic is that throughout the articles, blogs, magazines and books I’ve read time and time again that “Every child is different” …
So it begs the question, why do we compare our children then?
I think it’s a reassurance thing, something that tells a parent they’re “doing it right” …
But really, honestly, the vast majority of the time, that is total utter rubbish!
If you’re keeping your child safe and loved. If you care for them and encourage their learning and your child isn’t hitting the milestones set out for ‘the average child’ then you are not to blame, no one is.
If you feel this way, then you have my permission right now to take that damn pressure off yourself!
Give yourself a break, continue what you’re doing and go with the unique flow of your child’s natural development. Your child deserves that from you.
If you need some quick tips on how you can encourage your child’s learning but don’t know where to start then join ‘The Unlimited Autism Success Inner Circle’ …
When you join you’ll have access to video training, helpful guides and advice on your child’s sensory needs, behaviour and communication development. Give them the support they need and join today. Click below for more information…
Click here for more information and to join
Speak with you soon until then,
Live every moment, Love beyond words and make a difference today
Emma Ottaway
