Spring is when flowers, pollen, bugs, and insects emerge. Many teachers and parents forget it is also when Late Bloomers come into their own.
Consider the Late Bloomers
These children currently inhabit the roles of followers, dutiful workers, and obedient right-hand men/girls at school and home.
Late bloomers were previously cautious about stirring the pot.
Late bloomers were often reluctant to try something new for various reasons: the idea was too grand, they needed to lead others to get it done, their skillset was still immature, they were afraid of failure, or they didn’t think about changing things.
Late bloomers aren’t usually nudged to take great leaps. They are left in the comfort of their usual devices. Calm or timid player. Creatures of habit. Tried and true play companion. Easy child.
THEN THE BLOOMING BEGINS!
Signs change is happening:
- They begin to wonder or question things they previously accepted
- They ask for other options
- They start to speak a bit more
- Their voice is a little louder
- They laugh a little longer
- They pause before responding to a request, whereas before, they quickly followed suit
- They make remarks which catch you off guard
“Does that have more flavors?”
“Where did we buy that?”
“Can a lion jump in?” (when the kid game had characters that never changed)
“I don’t want to put my sweater on.”
“Why?” (previously, there was no question)
These changes are remarkable. They have come about because the late bloomer has had time to observe people and systems.
Spring is a FANTASTIC TIME for the LATE BLOOMER,
the late bloom wreaks HAVOC for the people in their lives, family, and peers. The BLOOM unsettles the social ecosystem.
Why?
Parents must change systems that previously ran like clockwork. The emerging opinions and preferences of the once “easy” child shift the dynamic. Parents often misconstrue these changes as becoming difficult or disobedient when, in fact, the child is leaning into the comfort of the relationship to voice a new perspective on an old routine.
Peers comfortable in leadership roles are often upset that the foolproof game has adjusted for the first time.
Peers are shocked when the go-to worker/player decides to do something completely different, leaving the game with an empty role.
Peers are taken off guard by other children’s personality growth and will label them as mean or acting differently.
What Now?
Make space in the day for more conversation.
Begin to ask for input for daily routines.
Inquire about new play styles.
Offer help by letting peers or family know about their new ideas or take on things.
Remember, when late bloomers come into their own, many things change.
Kids who always helped them/lead them are out of a job.
Kids who spoke for them are out of a job.
Kids who helped by keeping the games routine and readable are out of a job.
Adults who counted on this child following suit don’t have a backup plan.
Adults who were often encouraging find themselves frustrated.
Adults worried about their quieter style now worry about their extroverted ways.
The easiest way to support the MAGNIFICENT LATE BLOOMER is to acknowledge their growth, provide extra time for discussions, and allow the evolution of their personalities and world views to continue.
Please reach out if you need support with the emerging BLOOM in your garden.
Joshua
