If you’re the parent of a young child, it’s only natural to feel concerned about their development from time to time. This is especially understandable if your family has a history of certain disabilities or developmental disorders. Even if you’re fairly certain that your child is happy and healthy, it can be hard to put these fears to rest.
Whenever it seems like your child is struggling, you catch yourself envisioning worst-case scenarios. If you’re a first-time parent without much previous childcare experience, you might not have a clear idea of what is “normal” or not regarding child development. Here’s how to determine whether or not you should be worried about potential developmental delays.
Familiarize Yourself with Developmental Milestones
First, it’s important to read over medical data regarding child development milestones. Do not look to unverified sources on social media platforms for this information. Instead, ask your pediatrician directly for a developmental timeline.
You can also check out data provided by reputable medical institutions. When you have a big-picture view of average child development milestones, you don’t have to guess whether or not something is worrying.
Watch Out for Key Signs
There are all sorts of physical problems or behavioral changes that could signal a developmental delay. However, there are a few important signs that every parent should watch out for. If your child is suddenly throwing dramatic temper tantrums at an older age and displaying an inability to regulate their emotions, it could be cause for concern.
A lack of social interaction, academic or behavioral issues in school, or a lack of impulse control could also signal problems. Additionally, you will want to talk to your doctor if your child is exhibiting a verbal delay.
Assess Your Child’s Behavior in Different Scenarios
Maybe you’ve noticed that your child seems shy and withdrawn in social situations with other kids. They might have trouble making friends, or they may seem hesitant to go out of their comfort zones and talk to other kids at school, on the playground, or at events like birthday parties.
However, before jumping to conclusions, consider if your child experiences the same issue in other situations. What are they like when they’re playing with their siblings, cousins, and neighbors who they already know? If your child is truly dealing with a developmental issue, the symptoms will be clear no matter who you’re with or what you’re doing.
Talk to Your Doctor
Perhaps you’ve seen marked changes or issues in your child’s behavior that set off warning bells. Furthermore, these issues have persisted for quite some time. Additionally, your child struggles with the same problems in different environments and settings, leading you to believe that the problem is intrinsic, not circumstantial.
Now, it’s time to set up an appointment with your pediatrician for a professional opinion. While it’s normal to want to chat with other parents for advice and reassurance, seeking out medical assistance is crucial. Spending too much time reading about your child’s symptoms online can also lead to needless worrying.
Create a Plan for Addressing Delays
What if your doctor is also concerned about your child’s behavior. They may want to run certain tests and assess whether or not your child is experiencing a delay. Feeling panicked is natural, but keep in mind that many children develop a bit more slowly than their peers.
As they grow older, no one would ever know the difference. Intervening early with a concrete plan can help your child make great strides.
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Are concerns about your child’s development causing you stress or anxiety? Working with a therapist can help. Reach out to us to discuss your options for scheduling your first session for parenttherapy.