My daughter did not walk until 19 months, speak until 22 months. When she was ready, she ran and spoke both English and Italian equally. Love this: "We can’t make anything grow, but we can foster environments where things want to grow.” 💕💕💕
I really appreciate the way you give language to compassion, specifically on growth. I am reminded to soften, yet again. Thank you. Also I feel inspired that you are fostering your son’s choice to communicate in the ways that honor him, his needs and his timing. He sounds like quite the deep observer and what a gift it is for him to be however and whoever he is as he learns to be in this world he’s taking in one moment at a time. Beautiful.
I have 2 very “different” children, now 32 and 26. I let them develop at their own pace, while helping them manage their sensory and emotional lives. They both struggled in school, while teachers and other professionals attested to their intelligence. They are both doing great now- one’s a baker, and one’s a DJ, promoter, “tech support guy” and music lover. Keep up the good work. Some flowers bloom at a different time. The soil they’re planted in is more important than the time they bloom. I believe you already know this, but I understand how it’s hard when it feels like your child or your parenting is not meeting certain “expectations.” Keep going.
My son didn’t speak until he was 2 years old and then he sounded as if he had a sock in his mouth. He communicated perfectly well and at 37 has grown into a highly articulate, intelligent, successful and kind man and is a patient, loving father to 2 boys one of whom spoke with extraordinary clarity from an early age and the other more sock like. Was it Einstein who didn’t speak until he was 4? We are individuals and measuring ourselves against each other can be meaningless and counterproductive. Love your wisdom
My daughter (now almost 25 years old) was an avid sign language speaker, even making up a lot of her own signs. I don't remember exactly when she started talking more but she did become quite the talker! She was late with several of her developments but part of that was that she waited until she felt a sense of mastery before doing things. For example, she was a world class speed crawler for a very long time and was so content with that mode of transportation that she wasn't in a hurry to change. One day she decided she wanted to and started marching all over the place.
I love that you're honoring your son's own ways of doing things and developing. It gives me hope for the future to see amazing parents raising their children with such care. What a beautiful thing! Thank you for doing that for your son and for the world!
Both of my beautiful, brilliant sons did not speak until 24 months. Then they spoke and didn’t stop speaking for many years. Puberty has done a number on their desire to speak. I hope they will emerge out the other side talking up a storm, just like before. Thanks for your writing, I get a lot out of it.
Your son sounds like a delightful person! Being with him must be endlessly fascinating. Of course, I feel the same way about being with my grandchildren — and the other children I know. Their way of receiving and giving to their world educates me and causes me to contemplate how I engage with all there is.
Marcus, Such a thoughtful post that has many nuggets for us to ponder wherever we are in life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us!
My daughter did not walk until 19 months, speak until 22 months. When she was ready, she ran and spoke both English and Italian equally. Love this: "We can’t make anything grow, but we can foster environments where things want to grow.” 💕💕💕
I really appreciate the way you give language to compassion, specifically on growth. I am reminded to soften, yet again. Thank you. Also I feel inspired that you are fostering your son’s choice to communicate in the ways that honor him, his needs and his timing. He sounds like quite the deep observer and what a gift it is for him to be however and whoever he is as he learns to be in this world he’s taking in one moment at a time. Beautiful.
He sounds so thoughtful, just like his parents.
I have 2 very “different” children, now 32 and 26. I let them develop at their own pace, while helping them manage their sensory and emotional lives. They both struggled in school, while teachers and other professionals attested to their intelligence. They are both doing great now- one’s a baker, and one’s a DJ, promoter, “tech support guy” and music lover. Keep up the good work. Some flowers bloom at a different time. The soil they’re planted in is more important than the time they bloom. I believe you already know this, but I understand how it’s hard when it feels like your child or your parenting is not meeting certain “expectations.” Keep going.
My son didn’t speak until he was 2 years old and then he sounded as if he had a sock in his mouth. He communicated perfectly well and at 37 has grown into a highly articulate, intelligent, successful and kind man and is a patient, loving father to 2 boys one of whom spoke with extraordinary clarity from an early age and the other more sock like. Was it Einstein who didn’t speak until he was 4? We are individuals and measuring ourselves against each other can be meaningless and counterproductive. Love your wisdom
Marcus, I love your posts, thank you!
My daughter (now almost 25 years old) was an avid sign language speaker, even making up a lot of her own signs. I don't remember exactly when she started talking more but she did become quite the talker! She was late with several of her developments but part of that was that she waited until she felt a sense of mastery before doing things. For example, she was a world class speed crawler for a very long time and was so content with that mode of transportation that she wasn't in a hurry to change. One day she decided she wanted to and started marching all over the place.
I love that you're honoring your son's own ways of doing things and developing. It gives me hope for the future to see amazing parents raising their children with such care. What a beautiful thing! Thank you for doing that for your son and for the world!
Both of my beautiful, brilliant sons did not speak until 24 months. Then they spoke and didn’t stop speaking for many years. Puberty has done a number on their desire to speak. I hope they will emerge out the other side talking up a storm, just like before. Thanks for your writing, I get a lot out of it.
Fascinante
Your son sounds like a delightful person! Being with him must be endlessly fascinating. Of course, I feel the same way about being with my grandchildren — and the other children I know. Their way of receiving and giving to their world educates me and causes me to contemplate how I engage with all there is.
Marcus, Such a thoughtful post that has many nuggets for us to ponder wherever we are in life. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings with us!