Some days, progress feels easy to see.
A new word. A new skill. A good report from school.
And then there are other days.
Days when you wonder if you’re doing enough.
Days when it feels like everyone else’s child is sprinting ahead while yours is stuck at the starting line.
I’ve had those days. More than I can count.
Our Story
When our son was younger, every milestone felt like a marathon.
He worked so hard—harder than anyone realized—to do things that came naturally to other kids.
We spent months waiting for words, then months for progress in speech.
We practiced colors, numbers, and letters until we both could recite them in our sleep.
And still, there were times when it felt like nothing was changing.
As an educator, I knew progress would come.
But as a parent, my heart didn’t always keep up with what my head knew.
Then one day, out of nowhere, he pointed to something and said The color—clear, proud, and certain.
It was just one word, but it meant everything.
That’s when I learned: sometimes progress doesn’t shout, it whispers.
The Lesson I Learned
Children with learning differences and developmental challenges grow in their own way, at their own pace.
It’s not linear. There are good weeks, quiet months, and sudden leaps that take your breath away.
But every small step forward matters.
Every “almost” is part of the process.
And even when you can’t see the progress, it’s happening.
For Parents Who Feel Stuck
If you’re in a season where things feel slow, here’s what I want you to remember:
• You’re not failing. You’re showing up—and that’s what your child needs most.
• Their timeline is not broken. It’s just different.
• Every child blooms differently. Comparison only steals your peace.
• Celebrate the small wins. Because one day, those small wins become the big ones.
What I Tell Myself
There’s no rush to the finish line.
Our children don’t need to “catch up.”
They need to be understood, supported, and believed in.
Because behind every child who believes in themselves is a parent who believed first.
Your Turn
What’s one small moment that reminded you your child is making progress—no matter how slow it felt?
Share in the comments below. You never know who might need that reminder today.
👉 In my next post, I’ll be sharing real-life success stories from parents and educators—to remind you that every journey may look different, but hope connects us all.
