They just need time...

Parents; Have you ever been frustrated with your child when you take them to activities and they don’t seem to do much? Of course, we all have.

Frustration doesn't just come from a bad place. It isn’t just being annoyed or upset because your child isn’t participating. It can also be that you know they’ll love the activity and you want to see them having fun! You want to see them let go!

I’m in a very fortunate position that I’ve worked with children for nearly 20 years and fully understand that every child is on their own journey.

Each child makes progress at their own pace. I use this example every time; generally, when you look at an adult, you never assume or question when they started walking. "Oh, they must've started walking at 9 months" or "You can tell they were definitely a late walker."

But when it comes to toddlers we can be very quick to compare or worry about where our children are on their timelines. I'm a parent and of course, we want to ensure our children are where they 'should be', but generally, we all get there in the end so there isn't too much to worry about.

For the last 18 months, Remy has been to football, gymnastics, swimming and sensory classes.

He has sat on my lap, cried, refused, fully participated, sat out, watched, eaten snacks, people-watched, splashed at the side of the pool, had tantrums, giggled and everything else that our toddlers do at their sessions.

We've been patient and given Remy the freedom to participate and observe as much as he wishes to. Over time he has participated more and more.

There were weeks that he would be fully involved and in my mind, I was thinking, "We're there, we've turned the corner". Then the following week all he wanted to do was sit on my lap.

This week, however, just under a month shy of his 3rd birthday, I honestly believe we have turned that corner.

I'm not foolish enough to think that he isn't going to have any further wobbles or sessions where snacks and observations take priority, but this week, Remy has been fully involved in every single club that we have visited.

His confidence is through the roof, he is speaking much more to others and new people.

It's all down to one simple reason; he's now ready.

The past 18 months have been his time to observe, process, understand, prepare himself and more importantly, feel safe to explore.

There were children younger than him participating and engaging in every session but Remy wasn't ready regardless of his age, and that was completely fine.

I will never tell another parent how to parent their children or what to do in certain situations, that's not my place.

What I will say from my own experience is that patience, love and support will always help children get to where they need to be in their own time.

They will always take small steps before you see their giant leaps. They may even take steps backwards, but there's no need to worry.

Just be their biggest fan and you'll see them flourish when they're ready!