Sometimes, one’s child challenges are all we and the world see. For most parents and teachers not to fall into this trap, they will need to erase any preconceived time lines about when a child should be doing what.

The truth is, these children are on their own timetable and often the most helpful thing you could do is to respect and honour where they are and permit their growing at their own pace.

It is unfortunate for so many children that the society in which they find themselves has become so used to instant gratification – microwaves, high-speed internet, fastest deliveries, fast foods – that one thinks everything can be done faster, as well as child development.

Usually, the brain science is ignored by parents while they create arbitrary deadlines for their children to master a skill because it will make the parents’ lives easier. And then they become exasperated if the children’s brain and body don’t cooperate.

Many parents need to slow down and be attentive to who their children are and where they are in their development. As parent, you need to be willing to nurture your children through life stages on a schedule that is right for them, rather than the one that is expedient for you.

As adults, it is your choice in how you see your children: You could either be frustrated by the inability of your child to think like an adult, or you could be fascinated by how your child do think and act.

Please remember that there is always a range by which children can be expected to master certain skills. Do not be fooled into thinking that there is something wrong with a child because they cannot do what another child can. If you are bothered about whatever milestone your child is struggling to master, please seek professional advice.

Do not force your child to grow to miss their childhood… let them grow to have childhood memories.