"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
Head contusion
A situation familiar to almost all parents. The child has hit their head quite hard - and now you have to decide quickly whether it is a serious injury or not. Here's how to find out.
Social media
Media education and media literacy is a topic that keeps us busy - and will continue to do so. Digital media is playing an increasingly important role in our children's everyday lives. It is therefore becoming increasingly important that we adults stay up-to-date and keep thinking about what we need to do to support our children.
Remo Largo
"The child does not belong to its parents, but to itself. It was not born to fulfil the expectations of its parents, but to become the being that is inherent in it. It is the parents' responsibility to make this possible."