Me and J 2012
When he was a child he had problems with his speech. He didn't say anything before the age of two. He had speech and language therapy to help him, although it seemed like a long journey at the time. I am a trained teacher and I have a lot of time for educational professionals however when he attended his first nursery school at the age of 2/12 he was told he would never attend mainstream school. The reason for this? He would not line up in the yard to go into class, and he would not put his hand up on the carpet to ask a question. He would get frustrated as he couldn't communicate well and sometime he would show his temper but we would never get physically aggressive. What did I do? Well, I took him out of the nursery and placed him in a more relaxed playgroup and he seemed to flourish well. I have no strong religious beliefs although it was a Christian playgroup but have to say the kindness they showed us was amazing.
After my marriage broke up J had to get used to my partner M from the age of 3. The number of times they argued when he was younger, once was over a Thomas The Tank Engine kite! We laugh about it now but it was a big adjustment for both of them at the time.
I have two proud moments I would like to tell you of. When I got married to M we had a meal for family and friends in the local restaurant. J was 9 at the time. After my husband's brother gave a speech J got up impromptu and said this "I would like to say I feel proud today. I am proud of my nanny, I am proud of my grandad and I am proud of my mum, but most of all I am proud of My stepdad M!" It touched me as he had obviously thought about it and even with his speech difficulties and through all their trials and tribulations he felt he wanted to say how much he was proud of his stepdad.
Another proud moment was when at the age of 11 he had his end of year prom. Looking proud as punch with his shirt and tie on, he appeared all grown up. The best feeling was when I received his SAT grades and he had all level 5 grades at the age of 11 (level 4 being a good grade). I am so glad I didn't believe the professionals at the age of 2 1/2.
J proud as punch - age 11 before his prom
So all you mums and dads, don't be afraid of questioning the professionals if you feel what they say isn't right, you know your children best. I am glad I did. If your child isn't ready to line up to go into class at the age of 2 1/2 it is not necessarily a bad thing. Think if the environment they are in is right for them.
This post is my entry in the Mellow Mummy "I Made This" competition.
I decided on this topic because
"I'm not the best at baking or knitting a jumper too,
When I made a Blue Peter advent calendar, I got covered all in glue.
I can't crochet or do applique,
And my embroidery is totally pants,
And the Tracey Island I made is now covered all in ants.
But one thing I have made,
That has made me proud as can be,
Is my lovely Son J, I hope you do agree!"
Thank you for tagging me, Mel! What a lovely post about your son =) My son also had speech therapy when he was little so I can relate.
ReplyDeletexx
I hope his speech has improved now ;)
DeleteAww Mel, such a lovely, caring & very bright son you have. You have made a gentleman, I hope you keep smiling. You've actually pulled at my heart strings and I'm not a soppy girl. Lovely story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with me.
He is a gentleman Lucy! Thank you for commenting xxx
DeleteThat's a lovely post Mel. Most of this world's geniuses and achievers have been non conformists for one reason or another. What a great lad. x
ReplyDeleteI will have to remember that one thank you Linda xx
DeleteAmazing :)
ReplyDeleteWhen anyone asks me what I have made / achieved in life that I am proud of, I always say my kids. To quote Mr Barry White, they are "My first, my last, my everything".
Kids make us the people we are :)
They do, thanks for commenting Clare xxx
DeleteMy oldest boy C had problems with speech too. I kept on at the doctor and he agreed to an assessment. A lovely lady came to our home when he was 2yrs and 9months. She gave him little puzzles to do within a certain time. I couldn't help but laugh as this was something he was really good at. She moved up her puzzles until she gave him one that a 5 year old would be able to do in 60 seconds. He took 65 seconds and wasn't yet 3!
ReplyDeleteShe moved on to drawing and asked him to draw a house. He did it and she was amazed that he drew a triangle for the roof..apparently children don't so this until about 5 years old too!
She came to the conclusion that there was nothing wrong mentally - well derrr I could have told her that - and she referred him for speech therapy.
He also had lovely teachers who helped and encouraged him. He's now nearly 30 and still bright, funny and thoughtful..
I love having sons they are the apples of my eye!!
This sounds so much like what happened to my son! I know children who spoke well and sounded really bright for their age at the age of two but have no spatial awareness. So much emphasis is on speaking and listening skills these days which is great however it doesn't mean a child is stupid because they can't string a sentence together at the age of 2
DeleteWhat a wonderful post. Just goes to show that you can't judge a child at 2 years old and that we all have long journeys ahead of us. Thanks for taking part in the meme! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteThank you Emma I enjoyed writing it too
DeleteI have tears in my eyes (yes really) reading this. What a lovely story. I was particularly taken by the wedding speech. My own lad was 18 months old when I met his mum. He's a dad himself now and due to get married next summer. I cant wait! :-)
ReplyDeleteaw thank you Carl! I am sure he will make a great speech about you x
DeleteThank you for tagging me, now I have to get blogging, and better than you. This is quite the challenge!
ReplyDeleteThank you Lorraine but I am sure you can rise to the challenge ;-)
DeleteThat's a really lovely post, no-one knows a child as well as their parents and I think my biggest lesson in parenting has been to trust my own instincts which is obviously what you have done with your son. I bet you smiled from ear to ear when he made his speech at your wedding, pride in your children is just the most emotional feeling ever :)
ReplyDeleteI did I didn't even know he was going to make a speech, he's a fab kid and I love him to bits! Thank you for taking the time to comment
DeleteWhat a lovely boy, you must be so proud x x
ReplyDeleteI am hes a smashing kid thanks for your kind comment
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