"Grass doesn't grow faster if you pull on it
Let me start with a less glorious example of my own career as a father: We were on holiday and I thought, now I have to teach my child how to do a Köpper from the edge of the pool. My plan ended in a huge argument and a terribly bad mood.
The child had no ambition or need to learn a Köpper now - only I thought that now was the time. Fortunately, I then realised that there was no point. And: a few weeks later, the child was doing the most beautiful clappers. Not because I wanted to, but because the time was ripe and the need was there to be able to do it.
So, keep reminding yourself that most of a child's development happens more or less by itself. Earlier for one child, later for another. To come back to the grass: It's not as if grass grows all by itself. It needs water, light and nutrients. And that's also what we need to offer children: An environment in which they can develop and grow healthily. However, if we try to speed things up excessively, it usually ends in frustration on both sides and doesn't speed anything up.
Last but not least: If you have the feeling that your child is very far behind in one area or you are so very unhappy or unsure about something, then it is of course our job as paediatricians to advise you and see whether therapeutic help, such as speech or occupational therapy, is necessary. However, this is actually far less often the case than is generally thought.
Further interesting tips
Certificates II
The days on which children receive report cards are important for families - and often difficult and conflict-ridden. So here are a few tips on how the day can go well.
"Screen-free from three" campaign
Screen-free until three - Formatted textDocument A nationwide campaign has been launched in many German paediatric practices this week: "Screen-free until three". We are taking part - even at the risk of offending parents ...
Fennel tea
There is a lot of excitement in many online forums and social media channels at the moment. A popular household remedy for stomach ache and flatulence, but also for coughs, toothache and sleep disorders, is under suspicion: Fennel tea. And now all of a sudden it's supposed to be poisonous? Cause for panic or pure scaremongering? The doctor explains.