Little things, like the first time my child walked on a parking space barrier (I am sure there's a word for those I don't know, but I'm talking about those concrete things at the end of a parking space that keep you from going into the next space, or onto the curb) and then stepped onto the sidewalk. For most kids, this is something they can do by preschool. My son was 6 or 7, I think.
I don't have much to complain about. My son may have his challenges, but I know he will get there, wherever "there" is, at some point. While it is frustrating, and sad, at times, to watch him struggle to do something that comes naturally to other kids, I also try to remember that there are parents who are hurting even more, knowing their child might never reach a milestone like climbing up the ladder at the playground.
My son is 9, and still can't swim. Some of this is due to his gross motor skill delays, and some of this is sensory (he doesn't like the sensation of water on/over his head, in his eyes, etc.). Every summer, we've gotten a little further. Last summer, he let me put goggles on him, and he would hold my hands and dip his head under water. He would "swim" holding a pool noodle, and would float on his back if I kept a hand under him. But he refused to try to swim without the noodle.
Well, today is our first day of summer vacation, we went to the pool, and he actually tried to swim! He perfected the glide forward, and then added some kicks and strokes with his arms that actually kept him afloat for a few seconds. None of this was with his face completely in the water, but his face was very near the water and got wet each time, which is better than his turtle impression last summer.
This gives me hope that by the end of the summer, he will be swimming. I don't care if he is using the proper strokes or even if he chooses to swim without his face in the water most of the time; I just want him to be safe in the water, and able to play with friends and feel comfortable jumping in the water and going under.
Sometimes you have to celebrate the little things with those who will understand just how big this "little thing" really is. Today, I am proud as punch of my big kid for conquering his fear and lifting those feet off of the ground.
