It’s normal for parents to feel concerned about whether their children are developing normally. Concerns about child development are not something that parents should try to ignore or minimize for fear of seeming “overbearing” or anxious.
However, sometimes it can be hard to tell if a child is actually exhibiting a developmental delay. Sometimes, children are just slightly behind on hitting “average” milestones, yet still within a normal range. Furthermore, developmental delays are not always indicators of lifelong medical conditions. This is often at the forefront of a parent’s mind when they worry that their child is not keeping up with their peers.
Paying attention to the pace of your child’s development is important. Learning what’s expected and what’s worrying is crucial. Here’s how to distinguish between the two.
Get Familiar with Milestones
First, it’s essential to learn about specific developmental milestones. You can look up medical charts outlining these milestones online. However, your pediatrician can also provide you with this information.
If you do look up a milestone chart online, make sure that it was published by a reputable source, such as an official medical practice or pediatric organization. You’ll notice that “average” milestones, and what’s considered “normal,” is actually a range.
Keep an Eye on Specific Skills
Most developmental delays are related to specific skill areas and abilities. These categories include motor skills, cognitive skills, social abilities, and speech and language development. While your child’s pediatrician will screen for skill development in these areas at doctor’s appointments, you’ll also need to keep a close eye on your child’s behavior if you have concerns about social abilities.
A pediatrician cannot observe these behaviors as easily, so make sure to report any worries about this skill area.
Resist the Urge to Compare Your Kid to Others
It’s easy to worry about your child falling behind because of the way other parents talk about their children, or what you notice when your child interacts with other kids their age. Additionally, it’s impossible to completely avoid comparing and contrasting your child’s behavior with that of their peers.
But keep in mind that every child grows up under different circumstances, and you don’t see the full picture of any child’s behavior unless you live with them.
Check If the Issue Persists in Different Settings
Maybe a daycare employee or babysitter has brought up a concern about your child that might be indicative of a developmental delay. But you’ve never seen your child engage in the behavior that they’re describing. It’s still worth keeping their concerns in mind.
Yet you may not be dealing with a developmental delay. Your child might have just been feeling shy or anxious around people who are not their parents. This is perfectly fine, and it happens to many children. If a particular behavior does persist in different settings and environments, and other adults notice it in your child, do not ignore those concerns.
Talk to Your Child’s Pediatrician
What if you do notice that your child seems to be outside of the “normal” range for a developmental milestone? Take your concerns to your pediatrician. It’s important to let them know about your worries early on.
If your child is experiencing a developmental delay, especially one that could indicate a diagnosable condition, early intervention is likely key. The sooner you alert your doctor to your concerns, the sooner your child can get the help and support they need if something is genuinely wrong.
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Are you worried about your child’s emotional or psychological development? A therapist can provide valuable guidance. Get in touch with us to learn more about scheduling a session for child counseling.