When it comes to children’s development, two truths stand side by side:
Every child learns and grows at their own pace, and
Early identification of challenges makes intervention easier and more effective.
It’s common for parents who express concern about their child’s development in the early years to hear well-meaning advice like, “Just wait and see.” This reassurance often comes from a place of kindness, hoping to ease a parent’s worry. When people say “wait and see”, they mean “wait and see, it’s probably fine”.
And yes, many children do catch up on their own. But what happens if they don’t?
The truth is, waiting can mean valuable time is lost - time that could have been spent supporting your child in building essential skills and reaching milestones.
Children’s brains are incredibly adaptable and responsive to intervention in the early years. Key areas like language, motor skills, and social interaction begin developing from birth, shaped by experiences and connections. By identifying and addressing any concerns early, we can help children thrive before gaps in development widen, which can otherwise impact confidence, self-esteem, and their sense of belonging as they grow.
Instead of “wait and see,” we encourage parents to embrace a proactive approach: “Check and See.”
So, how can you monitor your child’s development?
Utilise developmental health checks:
Attend the 8 health and development checks listed in the ‘Blue Book’ given to every baby born in NSW. Read through the different milestones listed for each age and think about how consistently your child demonstrates them. E.g. by 6 months, babies should be rolling tummy to back. If yours has technically rolled but only a couple of times, that’s something to chat to the GP about.
*A note about GP advice: Some GPs might still suggest waiting. If you feel your concerns are being brushed aside, seek out professionals who specialise in the area of concern. For instance, a speech pathologist can provide a thorough assessment of your child’s language development.
Seek professional assessment if concerns arise:
Whether it’s your own observation, someone close to you or feedback from a teacher, don’t hesitate to seek professional input.
For language concerns, visit a speech pathologist.
For motor skills, self-care tasks, or sensory challenges, consult an occupational therapist.
For emotional development, learning, or behaviour, connect with a psychologist.
Assessments are designed to be engaging and fun for kids. If everything is on track, you’ll gain reassurance. If extra support is needed, you’ll have a clear path forward.
Addressing common worries:
“Am I overreacting?”
Trusting your instincts is never an overreaction. Professionals are there to help and will guide you based on your child’s unique needs.
“Is it my fault?”
Absolutely not. Parenting is complex, and every family faces challenges. Seeking help shows that you’re attentive and care deeply about your child’s growth—this is what good parenting looks like.
“What if my child is diagnosed with something?”
Firstly, a huge number of kids who receive early intervention have a delay, not a disorder. This means that for any number of reasons, they’re a bit behind on some things but with some focused help they can catch up. Other times it may be that there is an underlying issue – some of the most common are things like learning disorders (like dyslexia or dyscalculia) or neurodevelopmental disorders (like ADHD or Autism).
It’s natural to feel fear around labels, but these don’t define your child or their potential. With the right support, children with challenges can learn, grow, and thrive in ways that empower them to meet their full potential.
Trust your instincts.
If something doesn’t feel right—if your child isn’t hitting milestones consistently, or if learning and development feel harder than they should—don’t hesitate to CHECK and SEE. Early action is a powerful way to nurture their growth and give them the best possible start.
For more information on the Assessments click here - Our staff are highly knowledgeable in this space and are happy to answer any questions you have. You can contact us directly on (02) 4684 1080 or email us at info@wildflowerholisticservices.com
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