Nanny to Mommy

So, you think your kids are behind. As a parent, it can be really difficult to notice that your child might be a tad bit behind in the first place, but once you do notice, it can also be really difficult to 1) accept that and 2) find help. I mean, where do you even start? That’s what we are talking about today, and I truly hope that this post helps SO many parents out there, because it’s important.

To start, you absolutely need to take a deep breath. I know that this can seem way too overwhelming and like something that you cannot tackle, but I promise you: you can. You’ve got this! There are so many options and honestly, even if you think your child might be behind, that is not the end-all, be-all. You might be wrong, or if you are right, there are so many programs, people, and companies that can help walk you through (and out of) this path! This is NOT the end of the story; it is just the beginning. No need to Dr. Google everything, or post on 100 different Facebook groups. Just take a minute to yourself and take a big, deep breath. Maybe even go for a massage or a pedicure. Again - you have got this.

Next, know that you are an amazing parent and there are no ifs ands or buts about that. You did nothing wrong, and guess what? Life will go on, and everything WILL be okay. That is a fact. When you think that your child might be behind, it’s easy to place blame on yourself. Did I read enough? Did I talk enough? Did we do too much TV? Did I send him/her to daycare too early? Was it because he rolled off the bed accidentally one time? Was it because he cried too hard the other month? Stop replaying every moment and wondering what you did wrong because the answer is NOTHING. You did absolutely nothing wrong, and everything right! Sometimes, delays just happen, and a lot of the time, they work themselves out on their own. It might not even be a “delay,” and more of just an “I’m getting the hang of it.” Don’t place blame on yourself, mama. You are a rockstar and you did everything right. Please keep that in mind!

If there comes a time when you feel comfortable enough being open and transparent with others, talk to your friends about it. I’m sure that so many others have walked the same path that you are going through right now, and you can lean on them for advice, support, and connection. Keep on thing in mind, though: not all story is the same. Each child is unique and develops at their own time. Don’t let others get you down and instead, find people who will raise you up and be there for you. Talking to friends can be so beneficial to allow yourself to know that you are not alone. Just make sure that the people you are talking with are the ‘right’ friends.

The most important step to take into consideration (once you are ready), is to get help. If you need help with speech or occupational therapy Atlanta, Talk About Therapy - Speech Therapy can definitely help you and your child or children out. Talk About Therapy was founded because they believe in and love providing intuitive, effective, and sustainable therapy to our patients and families. They say, “Our philosophy is to help our patients and their families build a strong, functional foundation towards communication and feeding, and slowly build upon that foundation to create lasting results. We offer clinic-based and teletherapy Early Intervention Speech and Language Therapy, Pediatric Occupational Therapy, Feeding Therapy, and Tongue-tie Therapy to families in the Metro Atlanta area, including North Atlanta, Buckhead, East Cobb, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Smyrna, Vinings, Suwanee, Chamblee, Druid Hills, Tucker and Marietta, Georgia. Our licensed therapists are here to support your child and family with the best individualized care through services like speech therapy for kids, speech therapy for toddlers, pediatric occupational therapy, tongue tie and lip tie intervention, feeding therapy, and to guide you through challenging experiences such as breastfeeding problems, and knowing what to expect after tongue tie release.”

Last but not least, continue doing everything that you have already been doing, along with any recommendations by your support team. One more time: know that you are doing everything right, and just keep pushing along. You are doing great!