But today, after a course of speech therapy, she is in nursery school and doing fine. She just needed some extra help. But no matter how well-meant they are, such comments can hurt. The only thing that kept me sane was the fact that my pediatrician, whom I trusted, and my husband, who's a doctor, weren't worried at all about his development. Sometimes, however, if you feel your privacy is being invaded, a little bluntness may go a long way.
Social pressure can make being a late bloomer tough on kids too.
By age 3 or 4, a child may become aware that he's different from his peers. Talk to his teachers. If possible, point out ways in which she's equal to or ahead of others. And show you love each of your children, whatever his or her level of development. Copyright 2001, The Parenting Group.