You know that sinking feeling when…

your friend's baby runs towards them for a hug, while yours spills over after a few steps.

Your chest tightening after watching an Instagram story of a toddler trying an adventurous food, while yours prefers purees and toast.

Recently I was hanging out with a friend who's kiddo is extremely physically confident, and intelligent in understanding, but doesn't speak many words. While my son, Leo, can say just about any word- but doesn't feel comfortable attempting more advanced physical activities like his buddy. We talked about these differences, both lamenting (and celebrating) the other's toddler.

It's so tempting to think that what a child does when they're young is going to control their fate. If I'm being honest, earlier this year I once had the thought, "How will he reach his full potential as an adult if we're falling behind as a child?" Plot twist, he started walking that week. And.. we were never behind, he was just going at his own pace. It was ME and my own dramatic expectations that needed correcting, not him.

Listen, I know that milestone anxiety is real. It’s almost impossible not to compare, look to the next goal, wonder how to encourage its arrival, and ultimately take away time from enjoying our little one because of that worry. In case you need the encouragement that I've been whispering to myself some days, here is your virtual hug. Milestones are met one small step at a time. Give yourself grace, and kindness. If they need outside resources for additional help, so be it! Asking for (or receiving) help is NOT a sign of failure - it's a beautiful intention of chasing growth together.

Milestones are not a measure of success for you, OR your child. They will develop skills with gentle support in their own time. The month they started walking or speaking doesn't determine their destiny. But... being celebrated for who they are, daily, no matter what they can or cannot do? Now THAT'S something that has long-lasting impact.