My first child was a natural—talking, walking, and reading with ease. It was a breeze. I introduced a new concept, and she’d grasp it instantly. Friends and family showered me with compliments about my incredible parenting (to be honest, even a toddler could have done what I did). My second child was similar but with a little more sass, often prompting glances of “can’t you keep him in check?” Nonetheless, he tackled milestones like a pro, albeit with a bit more flair.
Then came my third little one. It quickly became clear that we had a genuine late bloomer on our hands. So, what does that mean? This is a child who takes their time with every developmental milestone that society tends to monitor. My youngest embodies this concept perfectly—she’s not rushing to achieve anything, perhaps because she’s preoccupied with her own interests. Eventually, she figures things out, but often in the most unexpected ways, just barely within what experts deem “normal.” And I cherish her for it.
Had my late bloomer been my first, I would have been a bundle of nerves every day. My experiences as a parent have taught me to relax and allow children to progress at their own speed. This doesn’t mean I’m not concerned or that I don’t actively support her learning. We’ve consulted early childhood speech therapists multiple times, and they reassure me that she’s developing beautifully at her own rhythm.
At age 3, my eldest could recognize and write nearly all the letters of the alphabet and recite lengthy books from memory. In contrast, my youngest struggles with dressing herself and seems to think that the numbers 4 and 5 are optional when counting to 10. Despite her challenges in becoming kindergarten-ready, I have no doubt she will excel in life.
Here’s why:
Her Kindness is Remarkable.
My daughter is a natural nurturer. She’s the one offering hugs to kids at the playground who are crying from a fall. She approaches children with disabilities and gives them warm squeezes, often moving the mothers nearby to tears. She has an innate ability to sense when someone needs a little kindness and readily shares her affection. The world could certainly use more of that, and she’s willing to provide it.
She’s Incredibly Resourceful.
It took us a while to realize that she couldn’t dress herself because she cleverly played each family member against the other. She’d ask her sister one day, her brother the next, and so forth. Once we figured this out, we marveled at her ingenuity. Rather than learn to dress herself, she opted for the fun of getting others to do it for her. Part of me wants to be frustrated, but another part can’t help but admire her cleverness.
She Brings Laughter to Our Lives.
Despite her slowly developing language skills, she has a unique knack for humor. During family dinners, she’ll chime in with a spirited “heck yeah,” prompting laughter from everyone around. Her ability to lighten the mood is a gift.
She Has a Strong Sense of Self.
Often, it seems she deliberately does the opposite of what I ask, simply to assert her independence. As an infant, she refused to take a bottle and would go hours waiting for me to return with her milk. No one could change her mind. While she’s typically a laid-back child, she firmly stands her ground when she doesn’t want to comply.
She Knows How to Dance.
This girl loves to groove! She often starts dancing unexpectedly, whether in the grocery store, at church, or even during a sibling’s tantrum. It’s impossible not to smile at her enthusiasm. While I never imagined her talent for dancing would be one of my hopes for her, I respect a kid who knows her strengths from an early age. Recognizing your unique talents can lead to great things.
For parents navigating life with a late bloomer, take heart—they will be just fine. If late-night worries creep in about whether your child is simply a late bloomer or facing more serious delays, don’t hesitate to seek help. After all, no parent should sacrifice sleep. A late bloomer might take a different route in their journey, but they will ultimately arrive where they need to be. Think of it as taking the scenic route instead of a congested freeway.
I envision her path filled with remarkable friendships, unique skills, laughter, and spontaneous dancing. While I do worry about her, I know that even if she struggles with counting, she’s gaining essential life skills that will help her thrive. In doing so, she’s teaching me that not every child follows the same path and that embracing a relaxed attitude can create a harmonious home.
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Summary:
This article emphasizes the beauty of raising a late bloomer, highlighting the importance of patience and love in their development. While some children may progress at different rates, their unique qualities—such as kindness, resourcefulness, humor, assertiveness, and individuality—will ultimately lead them to success in life. It encourages parents to embrace the journey and seek support when needed.