The Quest to Walk: Update

// 1.3.06 // Filed under: My Daughter, Parenting

Today was C’s evaluation with early intervention. It was extremely interesting. Two women (who really seemed to know and love their job) came to the house and “tested” C with a variety of toys, then scored her in several areas. She is coming out at a six-month level for gross motor skills, so she definitely qualifies for services (which I am told will include physical therapy). I am really committed to working with her and hope so much that she makes big improvements.

In other areas of development, she is at or above her age level. Right on track at 15 months for social skills, 17 months for fine motor skills, and 21 months for communication skills (she’s got a LOT of words!). For cognitive skills (learning, problem-solving) she scored at 24 months! My little girl is a genius!

Child development is fascinating. There are people who say that children will do things in their own time and there’s no need to push them into anything. I concur, but I offer an amendment. One of our jobs as parents is to realize when we might have unwittingly done something to hinder our child’s development. I have done this with both my children. With my son, I catered to his fears of being without me. I assumed he would one day cut the cord and walk off proudly to join a baseball team. That may have happened, but at age 6 1/2 he wasn’t getting any closer to that step or any more comfortable with group situations that did not involve me or his Dad. So we stepped in and made a difficult decision to force the issue. With barely a ripple of discontent, he moved on and is thriving. Now, with my daughter, I’ve unknowingly taught her that she really doesn’t need to crawl or roll or walk to get what she wants. I never forced “tummy time” (she HATED it) and now she’s a 15-month old bottom-scooter who needs therapy to learn to crawl and walk.

I don’t blame myself or feel guilt for these issues (anymore). I am a good parent and I do what I feel is best for my children. And most importantly, I am willing to learn and adapt when necessary. That’s a very valuable skill I hope to pass on. The next step in the Quest to Walk is another meeting to determine the “Individualized Family Service Plan.” Meanwhile, you’ll find me rolling around on the floor doing goofy things to get C moving in the right direction.

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