Every Sunday, it feels like my notifications are filled with the latest milestones Smidgen should be working toward. At least three emails or apps light up my phone- and that’s after cutting back on the virtual clutter! We’re lucky to have access to so much information at the swipe of a finger- but how much is too much?
A Favorite Checklist
One app I’ll probably never delete is from Pathways.org. It’s a fantastic way to keep track of those developmental milestones! Different games and activities are suggested for every age group; it even accounts for Smidgen’s early arrival.
Every so often, I’ll go through the milestone checklists. They’re organized into motor skills, sensory skills, communication, and feeding categories. It feels pretty good to check “Making progress,” and the exciting “Achieved” as she learns!
Worry Sets In
Today, however, I noticed something. After flying through the motor milestones with glee, I started the communication category. “Oh, she should be making these sounds? She should be babbling up an adorable storm? Oh.”
Even with the constant reassurance that every baby is different and develops at their own pace, worry set in. Will her speech be delayed? Am I doing enough to guide her along? Am I a bad mom?
An angry raspberry from Smidgen brought me back. She was waving her arm in a frustrated frenzy toward a favorite toy. Wait, that toy was just inches away a few minutes ago! Hey, how did she scoot backward so far, and so fast? Smidgen furrowed her brow before a light bulb lit up. Another toy was within reach! All she had to do was flip to her back. Then her belly. Back to the back, as she kept rolling to her prize!
There were excited claps and proud praises. I relaxed.
Every morning, I ask her, “What do you want to work on today?” She can’t answer with words yet, but after breakfast? Game on. Let her show you what’s on the agenda for the day. Lately? It’s been crawling. With fire in her eyes, she’s been determined to get this down. There are things to see and places to be, after all! There’s no time for anything else!
Every baby is different. Every baby develops at their own pace. This baby wants to pick up that pace and get moving! Ba’s and Da’s will come when she’s ready. And I know she’ll have plenty to babble about!
With a little smile, and a giggle at those angry wiggles on all fours, the awful thought vanished. Maybe I’m not doing too bad, after all.
What are your favorite milestone resources? How have you kept yourself from worrying too much, and celebrated the great things your little one can do in the moment? Leave a comment, and let me know!
-Tay