Struggling with a Late Talker? Here's What Helped Us
My Journey with Archillius: Navigating Toddler Speech Delays and Behavioral Challenges
Raising children is a journey full of surprises, lessons, and milestones. As a mom of three, I thought I had a good grasp on what to expect at different stages of development. But my experience with my youngest child, my three-year-old son Archillius, has been a unique journey of its own. I wanted to share our story to help any moms who might be navigating similar challenges with toddlers who aren’t yet speaking in full sentences and are facing behavioral issues.
Early Concerns with Speech Development
When Archillius was around two, I started noticing that his vocabulary wasn’t expanding as quickly as I expected. At first, I wasn’t too worried. In our family, the boys tend to develop speech a little later. My dad didn’t start talking until he was almost four, so I tried to keep my concerns at bay. But, as moms, we know how society can sometimes make us worry more than necessary.
Despite my initial calm, I couldn’t help but feel a little anxious. I started paying closer attention to his speech development. Archillius had a few words in his vocabulary but wasn’t forming complete sentences like other kids his age. I realized it was time to take action.
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We respect your privacyBehavioral Challenges at Daycare
Our journey took a significant turn when we moved from Miami to Land O' Lakes. We enrolled Archillius in a daycare, and at first, things seemed to be going well. But little by little, his behavior started to shift. He became more temperamental, hitting and pushing other kids. Eventually, his daycare informed me that they could no longer keep him due to his behavior — a situation I never expected to face.
I was heartbroken and worried. Why was my sweet boy acting out? Was it because of the big move? Or maybe because his dad, who was present during the first year of his life, was no longer around? These questions weighed heavily on my mind.
Seeking Help: Early Childhood Development Programs
I knew about the Early Childhood Coalition Development Program, but I never realized they offered this particular service until a lady I met, who helped watch Archillius during our transition to the new daycare, shared the information with me. This was a game-changer for us.
I learned that there are programs designed to evaluate and assist children who are not meeting developmental milestones. The process was straightforward:
Initial Evaluation: I called the program, and they scheduled an evaluation for Archillius.
Follow-Up Evaluation: After the initial evaluation, a second one was performed to confirm his needs.
IEP (Individualized Education Plan): We are now waiting for the IEP process to begin. This will provide speech therapy and additional support for Archillius when he starts VPK (Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten).
Finding the Right Daycare
After being asked to leave the first daycare, I found a new one that has been a blessing. This daycare is more understanding and willing to work with Archillius through his challenges. They implemented a three-strike system to manage his behavior. While the early days were rough, I’m happy to share that things are getting better.
The staff has been patient, and their partnership with the Early Childhood Coalition has given me peace of mind. They’re helping to ensure Archillius receives the support he needs to thrive.
What We’re Doing at Home
In addition to the external support, we’re working with Archillius at home:
ABCs and Numbers: We practice his ABCs and numbers daily. I have posters on the walls, and we point to letters and numbers together.
Repetition and Encouragement: Patience is key. We repeat words and phrases often and celebrate even the smallest progress.
Reflecting on the Journey
Raising a boy has been a different experience compared to my daughters. His personality, energy, and needs are unique. I also see how much he misses having a father figure around. It’s something that weighs heavily on my heart, but I remain hopeful that with love, patience, and support, he will overcome these challenges.
Encouragement for Other Moms
If you’re a mom navigating speech delays or behavioral challenges with your toddler, know that you’re not alone. There are resources and programs out there that can help, even if you’re a working mom without the luxury of expensive insurance plans. Here are a few tips to get started:
Talk to Your Daycare: Ask if they have connections with early childhood programs.
Research Local Resources: Many states offer free or low-cost evaluations and therapy for children under five.
Be Patient: Progress takes time. Celebrate every little milestone.
Our journey with Archillius is still ongoing, but I see progress every day. I’m grateful for the support we’ve received and for the strength I’ve found within myself to keep pushing forward.
If you have any questions or need guidance on accessing resources for your child, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together, and I’m here to help however I can.
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