Do you ever worry about your child being "behind"?

Question

I know all children are different and everything will happen when they are ready...but I still think sometimes that my son is "behind". I'm not panicking or stressed out about it, it just crosses my mind sometimes. Does anyone else feel like this?

My son is 12 1/2 months old and says "DaDa", "MaMa", and "YumYum". He can walk holding onto the furniture and your fingers. He can stand by himself, but not walk on his own.

Answer 1

I think every parent is worried about their child not living up to the world's (or theirs) expectations, it's very natural. My son has been developing ahead of most babies his age, but I still get worried sometimes (what if he just stops learning, etc), but like you said, not overly worried. I don't think it's a problem unless you impose that feeling on your child. Your son seems to be doing fine though, I know many kids around a year old that aren't even doing what he's doing. Granted some are doing more, but as usual & as you know, all babies develop differently. If any concerns are still there, talk to your doc :) Though they will tell you it's not at all weird for a mother to feel this way.

Answer 2

my son was quite delayed. He didn't sit up until he was 10.5 months, he didn't combat crawl until 14 mo, regular crawl until 16 mo, & walk the day before he turned 18 months. It included the state stepping in and sending someone to our house to help, which didn't really work.

Since then he has caught up so much my peditrician didn't even need to retest him for a delay. In AZ I guess if the child even has a slight delay at 2.9 their are special preschools to help.

I know some people don't agree with this but we celebrated everything! From new words, to singing, to a new tooth, to walking faster, or not falling.

Also, I didn't always help him. If he wanted a toy across the room (once he was older) he had to get it himself. He was a champion roller by the time he was 11 months. I'd get looks from people when we were out because I'd make him say what he wanted or I wouldn't help him get up on the slide (he was learning to climb), I would only spot him. However once he realized he could do it himself he had the confidence.

My son is now almost 3. People who meet him can't believe the stories I tell about his delay early in life. He's a happy boy with an unbelieveable vocabulary & a good attitude. I am very proud of him.

I guess my big advise is give him time, he'll develop on his own schedule. If you're really worried, ask your peditrician.

Answer 3

All children learn at a different pace. There should be no worries at this time. Some are late bloomers but can pass any other child up in the future. You really need to sit back and relax and keep yourself from getting stressed out. You can always spend a little extra time with them and try teaching them more. One on one sessions where the child is not as distracted. Soon enough they will be walking and you'll have your hands full!!! Good luck

Answer 4

Honey it happens and if you feel this way get him in a speech program through easter seals. And if he needs further help they will put him in school by the time he is 3 for early intervention. My 4 1/2 yr old has been through the program since day 1 b/c he was premature and they set him in the program as soon as he was released from the hospital. He is going to school for a speech and developmental delay. It's better to find out the problem now then later on in life.

Answer 5

Of course it crosses my mind. I just want my son to be the best he can possibly be, just as you want yours to. I think he is doing fine for his age. My son was 2 before he started taking very much. Each child is different and he will learn in his own time, and you know that. So try not to worry.

Answer 6

Every once in a while, It does cross my mind but it's usually just a tiny worry. It's normal, all mother's want their children to the best. But what you want and what you're child is going to do is another thing.
My nephew, just started walking and still isn't talking much and he's 18 months, and my little brother started talking really early but didn't walk until he was almost 2. Don't worry, your boy is just fine!

Answer 7

Your child is at right at age, doing fine. I dont worry about my 14 month old because I work with children ages birth-3 years old and my job is to evaluate their development and teach parents how to keep them on track. Since this is my job I know my daughter is right on track and I dont worry about it. I do an evaluation on her every 3 months and that helps too. All children follow different developmental patterns and as long as they are developing within that range then they are okay.

Answer 8

I have a 3 year old and a 1 year old. 3yr old was a wiz kid at everything. Mia ( my 1yr old ) is just not in the same rush that Em was in and is not nearly as "advanced" as Em at the same age. She is much more relaxed and while Em wanted to do everything and was very ambitious. Mia spends more time on each individual thing. I think if you enjoy your child and spend time with him then he is just learning and developing at his own pace..

Answer 9

sure, everyone worries. You wouldn't be a good parent if you didn't worry. But you also need to realize that kids progress at totally different rates. My husband had a really hard time in school, and he says all the time he hopes our kids are smart like I was in school. (School was a breeze for me) It breaks my heart. My 2nd daughter hardly said two words until she was 2, so don't worry.

Answer 10

It sounds like your son is just fine. My little sister, little cousin, and niece are close to 2 years old and saying the same kind of stuff. If you have concerns still, your pediatrician is the one to talk to.