Developmental Milestones

"Children do no go through the same developmental milestones in lock step, marching like little brain-soldiers on the path to their future."

Such a good reminder. Has anyone else gotten sucked into the milestone lists?

If I see one, I totally begin comparing my kids. I'm such a teacher. I'm like, "Oh, nice! Standards!" and automatically begin grading my baby.

I try to make myself stay away from them. I know kids develop at different rates and develop different strengths and weaknesses. This is what makes humans unique.

Today, I scrolled through some old pictures from when Nouarie was Noutin's age. I began comparing their milestones.

"Wait! Nouarie was in the bouncing chair at this time? Why don't I think Noutin is ready? Is he ready? Let me ask Nishantha what he thinks."

Aaah! Slow down. I can put Noutin in the bouncer when he's ready, not when his sister did it. (Prepare yourself for some cute comparison photos when it does happen!)

Instead of looking at a checklist of what my kids should be doing, I need to keep learning about what I should be doing to help them.

Quote:Brain Rules for Baby: How to Raise a Smart and Happy Child from Zero to Five by John Medina