Yesterday as I picked Little T up from child care, I watched as another Mum approached one of the early learning staff and inquired as to the progress of her son.
“It’s been a little while since I’ve asked, can you tell me about his progress?”
I have never asked once.
I proudly and excitedly read Little T’s "portfolio of work” (they never had stuff like that when we were little) at the end of last year, have admired good behaviour I have seen at home that he has picked up from “school” and pinned his “art work” to the fridge.
Yet I have never really engaged in conversation about his development with the amazing staff who care for him 4 days a week.
Coupled with the fact I didn’t take him for his 18 month check up (we moved house and I need to change health centres), I am now starting to wonder how he is fairing for his age.
Last night I had a dream that a friend’s 12 months old little girl was speaking and coming out with sentences as my son made funny noises and the old word here and there. In the dream I felt concerned that he was behind for his age.
Back to reality and I know boys are a bit slower on speech development than girls. I know there is no cause for alarm. He is punching out new words every day now. Physically he is big for his age and is fearless.
I figure his two year old check up is only 3 months away and we can wait until then.
What is a good way of making sure your child is getting all that they need developmentally for their age? How do you track your children's progress?
Am I being too relaxed? Should I be showing more interest?
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