Hello amazing mothers on hive. Am excited to be a member of this impactful community that helps to improve and inspire mother all over the world. In this post am sharing one of the challenges I faced as a mother. I hope it helps and encourages a mom out there.
Clicking from one search engine to another, desperately seeking for answers to why my 18 months old boy hasn't said a word yet. When does a child say the first word? What causes speech delay in children? More questions kept rolling in. Some mothers told me to give him time but at 18months, I knew I had to make a move.
I consulted a pediatrician who referred me to a speech therapist. Had to pay quite an amount before the process could begin. He started the therapy the next day. Days rolled into weeks and weeks to months yet nothing was coming forth. How much longer? When am I going to start observing changes? I furiously asked the therapist. "Well you have to exercise more patience, children's developmental stages differs, he will soon start responding". She assured.
After 4 months, he couldn't continue with the therapy cause the pay was too high. All I could do was to keep praying and hoping God was going to heal my son and give him a voice. Never stopped interacting with him, even though all I got in response sometimes was a beautiful smile and nods.
It was a Sunday evening, we got back from the grocery store and I was in the kitchen putting the items I bought in place when I heard behind me "water" I paused and looked back there was my baby carrying his empty cup looking up to me. I bent towards him and asked gently "what did you say?" Then again he said "water" stretching forth his empty cup. It was the moment I have been praying for. I pulled him close to myself and gave him a tight hug. All I could say was thank you Jesus.
Its was really a memorable day in our lives. He is way older now and has improved significantly in speech. Am such a proud Mom.
If you have a child with speech delay, never give up. It could be exhausting and frustrating for mothers but that child needs you to be strong, calm and patient for the change you aspire.
Thanks for reading.
