Today, something amazing happened while I was reading a book to my 18-month-old daughter, Aubrie. As I pointed to the picture of an apple, I said the word and she repeated it. “YAY!” she exclaimed, and we both started clapping and smiling with excitement. But then, as I moved my finger to the picture of an airplane, Aubrie surprised me by yelling, “NAR-PLLEE!” I was so thrilled that I hugged her tightly, beaming with joy, and kept telling her what a great job she did. We both knew what she meant, right?

However, I couldn’t help but notice that Aubrie was showing some signs of developmental delay. She wasn’t responding to her name, had meltdowns in social settings, struggled with verbal and non-verbal cues, and seemed anti-social, even though she excelled in other areas. I decided to take action and signed her up for an early intervention program offered by the state for children under 3. It was an important step to ensure she received the support she needed.

About three months ago, we also decided to enroll Aubrie in daycare as both her dad and I had busy schedules. When she first started, she would keep to herself, not showing much interest in interacting with others. However, this week, I received an amazing progress report from her counselor. She said that Aubrie was far more advanced than most of the children in her class at this point. She described Aubrie as extremely smart, with major understanding skills that allowed her to quickly grasp new concepts. I was beyond proud and thrilled to hear this wonderful news.

The biggest lesson I learned through this experience is the importance of advocating for your children, no matter how big or small the concern may seem. Enrolling Aubrie in the early intervention program and seeking the advice of professionals has truly paid off. It turns out that Aubrie simply needed to develop at her own pace and sometimes just needed a gentle nudge in the right direction. The best part is that both Aubrie and I are now equipped with invaluable life skills that will benefit us for years to come, giving her a strong headstart in her development.

So, my fellow moms, I want to emphasize how crucial it is to trust your instincts and be your child’s biggest advocate. Celebrate their accomplishments and milestones, and seek support when needed. Together, we can help our children thrive and reach their full potential.