Let the competition commence!

Milestones. The one word that mums and dads are constantly thinking of, whether their child has reached them.

For me, I always check what the milestones are when he gets older. I really shouldn’t be doing this but I do!

It’s a constant worry. Especially when your little one doesn’t reach them. You worry, why they haven’t and try to help them no matter what. You worry that other people will judge you and your parenting skills. You worry that there could be an underlying cause for the late development. But, I want to reassure you all, to not worry!

Parents and even grandparents compare your little one’s milestones. So game on! A competition starts to brew. A little bit of my child/grandchild is better than yours.

However, every child is different and progresses at their own rate. I was a late walker (around 18 months) but I am fine and normal(ish). My son was an early walker and started to say the usual words early on. I am not boasting this but wanted to show that even my son and I have developed at different rates! I have a good job and have all the necessities I need. So please don’t worry that your child walks later on.

So why do we compare milestones?

I guess we compare milestones to make sure that our little ones are progressing the right way and also seeking for some reassurance.

If your little one is a late developer then it’s sometimes good to meet someone else who is going through the same thing. It’s the reassurance that you are not alone and that your little one is fine. You will also experience the same worries and concerns. So if you are concerned it’s best to talk about it with another mum who has the same worries or your other half. Even talk about it with your health visitor (that’s what they are here for)!

However, meeting a parent whose little one hasn’t reached a certain milestone can be awkward. This can put a strain on your relationship with them. As you don’t want to be boastful that your little one has already reached it. Like I said earlier every child is different!

Some mums, including myself, will sometimes think my child is better than yours! However, do we say that? No. We need mum friends more than ever now! With all the worries in the world we need to support each other.

Sometimes we like to ask how old your babies are when they reached a milestone. Were they younger than your own? If so, how much younger?

Does it matter? To that parent comparing their own child developmental rates, it does!

That parent comparing their child’s developmental rate is mainly doing this out of love. I know this for a fact as, I am one of these parents. I want to make sure that my son is developing well. I want to make sure that my son has no underlying issues. Every parent wants the best for their child and wants their child to lead a normal(ish) life.

So if I can ask you all to take something away from this post is, to not worry too much about milestones. Every child has their own way of learning and for some this may take time! For those people who like to compare, please don’t. We need to support each other and provide reassurance.

Milestones are more of a guideline than aims!

💖