Can’t our kids be “normal”?
July 28, 2009 by Dr. Heather
Filed under Developmental Grab-Bag
Living in Hawaii ain’t bad. But one of the things I truly miss about living in Southern California is reading the LA Times. I especially love the Health section; I find things in there that I don’t even come across in my geeky science-journalism review sites. My in-laws lovingly and patiently collect them for me, since I’m over 40 and still get a thrill from smudged newsprint on my hands.
Lately I’ve been reviewing my lovely stack of Health sections, and I wanted to share this great article with you. It echoes a BabyShrink theme: We need to have REALISTIC expectations of our kids and their development. The pressure to “perform” these days, even in preschool, is ridiculous and even damaging. Accepting our kids (and ourselves), with all of our interesting variations and wrinkles, is the only way to see them eventually have a solid sense of self-acceptance, and to ultimately excel in areas where they’re truly exceptional.
Here’s the article. Let me know what you think!
Aloha,
Dr. Heather
The BabyShrink
I think it’s a great article and concept, but as a parent and child psychologist, surely you realize that we are bombarded with advice regarding the benefits of early intervention? I would be so distraught if one of my children had something wrong that early intervention could have helped, and I did nothing in the thought that he or she is on the slower side of normal. Added to which, we who are not doctors may not recognize “normal”. If one of my kids isn’t walking by 16 months, I would be concerned, though the article suggests 18 months is still normal.
I do try to chill out, and it helps that both of my kids are excessively normal or above average, up until now at least. But I really think some parents freak out over any perceived “abnormality” because they worry about intervening early. I am sure I would.
Great story.
Great article-thanks for sharing!