In Their Own Time

I've been parenting for a long time. Almost twenty years in fact. One of the many things I have learned is something that is easy to say, yet harder to remember. I was reminded of the importance of it this week, and was quickly validated in my belief. It really isn't anything earth shattering. It is simply this... Children will do most things in their own time. Comparing and panicking and reevaluating are merely huge wastes of our precious time with our littles. (One note...Certain cases in which a medical condition may contribute to a child meeting certain milestones are not what I am commenting on here. In those cases medical advice is most definitely needed to help the child achieve any set goals.)

A few months ago, we attended a birthday party for Flynn's friend. He is a sweet little guy who was also in Kindergarten. While Flynn is homeschooled, he attends Kindergarten in a small public school. When it came time to open the presents, her little friend carefully removed each and every card and clearly read each aloud. I was impressed and very happy for him! At the same time, a tiny little seed of doubt was planted in my mind. Flynn was nowhere near that place in her reading. Was I doing it wrong? Was I hindering her ability? But just as quickly, a complete sense of calm came over me. I reminded myself of something I had learned through those twenty years of parenting my four little blessings. And I cut out that seed of doubt before it ever had a chance to grow.

In my experience, children will do most things in their own time. Rolling over, crawling, walking, tying shoes, buttoning coats, reading words and then books. All I need to do is patiently present and demonstrate and sit back and watch them try. Then I can lend assistance and offer praise when necessary. No panicking or self doubt necessary. : )

Yesterday Flynn came to me with a book, one I had read to her many, many times. And guess what? She asked if she could read it to me. So we cuddled on the couch, and my little girl read. She read and giggled, and sounded out words. And then she read it again. And again at night to her family. And she did wonderfully. And best of all...she did it in her own time.