Language question
- My friend told me that my son should be speaking in full sentences by now, is that true?
NO!
As long as your child understands language and can follow verbal commands, and can respond non-verbally or in sounds
they are receptive to language. Articulation develops at different rates and can emerge bit by bit or more likely in spurts,
just like physical growth spurts.
Children can speak very little and then explode in the verbal area, stringing many words together all of the sudden.
Many factors affect this progress, such as birth order, social experiences and exposure to speaking, reading and song.
Parents often want to see a linear growth pattern in their children’s development, but all living things do not grow in a
proportional fashion. Children are learning and absorbing language from the start and we are so eager for them to
“prove it”; by speaking that we ignore the positive signals that they are developing to reach that milestone in many other
ways.
*Be aware of your child’s verbal ability and promote language by speaking to your child, singing with your child and
reading books.
Social quiestion
- I take my child on playdates but they seem to play by themselves. Is something wrong?
NO!
At this age, children primarily engage in “parallel play”;. They play side by side with moments of interaction. It is still a
very important time to develop social etiquette. Being around other children is satisfying in so many ways.
Children model behavior and inspire creativity and they also help little ones see the world from a different perspective.
Playdates are crucial in the early education years to teach children how to manage sharing space, toys and caregiver’s
attention. Please don’t set your own expectations of playdates.
*Keep planning playdates! As long as all the children have a good time and respect others, it is a success! The experience
of playdates and group play sets the foundation for social and well-adjusted children!
Social quiestion
- I take my child on playdates but they seem to play by themselves. Is something wrong?
NO
At this age, children primarily engage in “parallel play”;. They play side by side with moments of interaction. It is still a
very important time to develop social etiquette. Being around other children is satisfying in so many ways.
Children model behavior and inspire creativity and they also help little ones see the world from a different perspective.
Playdates are crucial in the early education years to teach children how to manage sharing space, toys and caregiver’s
attention. Please don’t set your own expectations of playdates.
*Keep planning playdates! As long as all the children have a good time and respect others, it is a success! The experience
of playdates and group play sets the foundation for social and well-adjusted children!
DEVELOPMENTAL QUESTION
- My daughter is behind where my son is at the same age. Should I worry?
NO!
Please never compare children! It is hard as parents when we have experience raising another child. You can’t help but come to expect it to be a rinse-repeat situation.
Now I want you to imagine your sibling or best friend… are you the same? Do you have the same strengths? Can you
imagine yourselves at 3 years old and do you think you would develop at exactly the same time?
No! Children are developing so rapidly in the first 4 years. 85% of brain growth occurs by age 4 and therefore children
are making dramatic progress in every way. But like a growing tree, branches lengthen at different times.
If a child is drawn to the alphabet and language they may not be the most active child, climbing and jumping at that
time. That makes sense, as they might be more focused on books or puzzles and are devoting time to more stationary
activities.
Conversely if your child is very busy and has energy to spare, they probably have not had time to log as many sitting
hours to absorb the alphabet. Please appreciate where your child is at any stage and be assured they will all catch up at
their own time. In the meantime they are gaining valuable experience that will help them master the phase in which
they are absorbed.
*Enjoy every phase of your child and appreciate them for the unique and amazing human they are! If you are very
worried, speak to your pediatrician to check if they have concerns.
BEHAVIOR QUESTION
- Teachers, babysitters etc. say my child is so well behaved but they are not at home. Should I worry?
NO!
This is a great sign… which is probably not what you want to hear. If your child is a joy and well behaved with others, it
means you are doing a fantastic job! All children (and adults) need a time to unwind, and quite frequently that involves
decompressing and feeling emotionally fragile.
They let themselves go and feel their feelings deeply around the people that they trust and who give them unconditional
love. Unfortunately, that often presents itself in tantrums or challenging behavior. The important thing in these
situations is to not rise to their emotional level.
Try to lower your energy, voice volume and pace to allow them to meet you in a calmer place. Whispering during
tantrums is a tool to promote listening, even for a few seconds! It is also encouraged to remove yourself as much as
possible and is safe while the behavior occurs.
Tantrums are rarely as enticing without an audience. By providing distance you are allowing your child to come to you
when they are more ready to communicate in a healthy way.
*Make them feel loved and supported by saying “I would love to help you solve this problem when you are ready to talk calmly and help find a solution.”; Then stay calm and patient. Emotions frequently roll like waves over all of us and can’t
be rushed.
