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When we notice our child lacking in some way, our first instinct is to freak out. We make wild assumptions and expect the worst. But the best way to support our late-blooming children is to first understand that it will eventually all even out. Just because your child experiences a gap in the norm early on doesn’t mean that they won’t catch up! Society seems stuck on glorifying prodigies and people who succeed at their “thing” right out the gate. The reality is your child is not any less outstanding because they are taking longer to accomplish their goals.
Research has shown that no two children are the same. Some are early starters in development, academics and/or social relationships. Others are late-bloomers and will get there in the end.
The fact is, late bloomers aren’t really late — they’re just doing things on our own timeline. Who decided we all need to be on the same timeline in the first place? As parents we need to help our late bloomers to relax and enjoy the process rather than focussing on what is still to be accomplished.

How can a parent help the late bloomers?

• Understand your child’s personality. Patience is a required virtue.
• Identify the subjects your child has strength in. Some are very good with Business Studies, English Language or writing while finding mathematics more challenging.
• Ask your child about what he/she is struggling with. Just having them verbalise areas they need support in can give them relief. In some cases, depending on the roadblock, seeking expert support may be valuable.
• Discover the other things that interests the child outside academics. They are the pointers most times to the passion he/she would pursue later in life.
• Provide all the needed support. If it’s in academics the child is struggling, reach out to the Euka teachers and we can individualise their program.
• If the child is a late bloomer in the area of social relationships, you will need to do the work as the parent. Find a sport or hobby the child enjoys and help develop friendships with children who share the same interests.

The late bloomers have their own time of blooming. So remember, being a late bloomer isn’t a bad thing. Everybody is different, following their own path. If your child’s path has a few more detours or a slower speed than others’ paths, no worries. They’ll get “there” when the time is right.